We conclude the second round of the Australian Open on the fifth day of competition, with 16 women’s singles matches scheduled on Thursday. As always, we here at LWOT share our thoughts on each game. We have divided the 16 matches into four articles, the other three are about Amanda Anisimova vs. Emma Raducanu, Elena Rybakina vs. Iva Jovic and Iga Swiatek vs. Rebecca Sramkova. Jordan Reynolds, Steen Kirby and Ilemona Onekutu predict these games. Who do you think will advance?

Women’s Australian Open Day 5 Predictions

Beatriz Haddad Maia vs. Erika Andreeva

Jordan:
Andreeva progresses quickly and likes to compete against opponents who take her time with her groundstrokes. Haddad Maia has experience on her side but this could prove to be a challenging duel. There could be a surprise here.
Prediction: Andreeva in 3rd

Steen:
Brazilian Haddad Maia won the most WTA-level matches of her career last year; 20-year-old Andreeva is aiming for her best result at a Slam, this match is a bit of a coin toss and Andreeva has a bright future, but Haddad Maia’s moment is now.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3

Ilemona:
Beatriz Haddad Maia will face Erika Andreeva in the second round after a hard-fought comeback win over Julia Riera. Andreeva impressed with a straight sets win over Saisai Zheng. Haddad Maia’s experience gives her an advantage, but Andreeva could make her competitive.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2

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Jasmine Paolini vs Renata Zarazua

Jordan:
Paolini started the first lap impressively. It is very unlikely that Zarazua will cause her any problems. No part of the Mexican’s game is better than Paolini’s.
Prediction: Paolini in 2

Steen:
Zarazua never quite made the jump to WTA level. Paolini had 42 tour-level wins last year and is a top-five player; Anything is possible, but Paolini is in the driver’s seat.
Prediction: Paolini in 3

Ilemona:
Jasmine Paolini, who scored a comfortable win over Wei Sijia, will face Renata Zarazua, who powered past Taylor Townsend to take her first win in the main draw in Melbourne. Paolini’s form and higher rank give her an advantage, but Zarazua’s durability could make her competitive.
Prediction: Paolini in 2

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Jaqueline Cristian vs Lucia Bronzetti

Jordan:
These two similarly try to bring their forehand into play whenever possible, although Cristian relies more heavily on that style. I like Cristian’s chances in conditions that encourage her to step forward and be aggressive. However, it could be a close fight.
Prediction: Cristian in 3

Steen:
Bronzetti survived Azarenka in Round 1 and now has a very winnable match against Cristian in Round 2. Cristian had 20 Tour-level wins last year and is on the best track of his career, but Bronzetti has a small lead.
Prediction: Bronzetti in 3

Ilemona:
Bronzetti’s solid first-round win and heavier groundstrokes could overwhelm Cristian’s defensive style. Bronzetti should win in straight sets.
Prediction: Bronzetti in 2

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Danielle Collins vs. Destanee Aiava

Jordan:
Aiavas’ comeback from a 2:5 deficit in the second set and a 3:5 deficit in the third set against Greet Minnen was extraordinary to watch. The home favorite has nothing to lose in this duel against the runner-up in 2022. Overall, Collins’ game is much more impressive than Minnen’s and she will likely overwhelm Aiava.
Prediction: Collins in 2nd

Steen:
The home qualifier Aiava wants to surprise Collins and make it through the ITF round. Collins is a former finalist in this tournament who had one of the best years of her career last year. Collins should be able to secure the win.
Prediction: Collins in 2nd

Ilemona:
Collins’ power play and fighting spirit from the first round make her the favorite, but Aiava’s athleticism could drag the game out. Collins should prevail in straight sets.
Prediction: Collins in 2nd

Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports