The second round begins on day four of the Australian Open and includes 16 women’s singles matches. This means 16 women will advance to Round 3 while 16 will be sent home. But who will it be? As always, our writers here at LWOT share their thoughts on all games. We have divided the 16 matches into four articles – the other three are about Mirra Andreeva vs Moyuka Uchijima, Aryna Sabalenka vs Jessica Bouzas Maneiro and Jessica Pegula vs Elise Mertens. Liam McBride, Jordan Reynolds and Ilemona Onekutu predict these games.

Women’s Australian Open Day 4 predictions

Magdalena Frech against Anna Blinkova

Liam:
Two experienced professionals from all over the world face each other. The Frenchwoman defeated Kudermetova 6-4, 6-4, which is very impressive, and she will look to do the same with her Russian compatriot. But in five duels against them, she has only won once, and one senses that history could repeat itself.
Prediction: Blinkova in 3

Jordan:
Expect a lot of grueling rallies in this game. Blinkova is the naturally more aggressive of the two players. Frech played well in Melbourne last year and I like the chances of their defense wearing Blinkova down.
Prediction: Naughty in 3

Ilemona:
Blinkova defeated Daria Saville in a three-set match. Fręch, the number 23, will need to be consistent to counter Blinkova’s resilience.
Prediction: Blinkova in 3

Embed from Getty Images

Tatjana Maria vs. Clara Tauson

Liam:
Tauson has really impressed so far this season, taking the title in Auckland despite having a little asterisk next to it. Against Maria, that confidence and momentum will prove too much as she continues her perfect first-round record in Melbourne.
Prediction: Tauson in 3rd

Jordan:
Tauson’s current form is much better than veteran Maria’s. However, their game is not suitable for dealing with the diversity of Germans. That means this game could be a lot closer than many expect. Tauson cannot afford complacency.
Prediction: Tauson in 3rd

Ilemona:
Maria secured a straight sets victory over Bernarda Pera. Tauson will have to do her best to challenge Maria’s experience and tactical play.
Prediction: Tauson in 3rd

Embed from Getty Images

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs. Anastasia Potapova

Liam:
Potapova, after excellent junior success and an incredible start on the senior tour, never really reached the heights many expected of her. However, she has still had a solid and relatively consistent career at the Slams and is only 23 years old and still has time to grow. She will continue to do so against a drained Pavlyuchenkova after a thrilling three-set win over Yuan.
Prediction: Potapova in 3

Jordan:
This duel is a double-edged sword for Pavlyuchenkova. Potapova is able to extend rallies and get them going, but she will also give the former French Open runner-up time to finish her powerful groundstrokes. Overall, I think Potapova’s defense will prevail.
Prediction: Potapova in 3

Ilemona:
Pavlyuchenkova brings experience to this encounter. Potapova will need to step up her game to overcome Pavlyuchenkova’s consistency.
Prediction: Pavlyuchenkova in 3

Embed from Getty Images

Coco Gauff vs Jodie Burrage

Liam:
Gauff enters the tournament as one of the favorites, and although she didn’t have her best performance against Kenin, she won in straight sets without much effort. Burrage has been able to punch above her weight before, although rarely on the Grand Slam stage. This could be over very quickly.
Prediction: Gauff in 2

Jordan:
Gauff defeated former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin quite easily in the opening round, without even coming close to her best performance. This is threatening for the rest of the draw. Burrage has nothing to lose, but is unlikely to seriously challenge Gauff.
Prediction: Gauff in 2

Ilemona:
Gauff, the third seed, defeated Sofia Kenin in the first round, demonstrating her strong form. Burrage, who secured her first Grand Slam win since 2023, will face a formidable challenge against Gauff’s athleticism and skill.
Prediction: Gauff in 2

Main photo credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports