It promises to be an exciting opening day at Melbourne Park. There are 16 first-round matches on the schedule and, as ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match, including Mirra Andreeva vs Marie Bouzkova, Aryna Sabalenka vs Sloane Stephens and Paula Badosa vs Wang Qiang. But who will advance?

Australian Open Day 1 Predictions

Zheng Qinwen vs Anca Todoni

Ilemona: Zheng Qinwen opted to skip any warm-up events in the lead up to the Australian Open but that shouldn’t be a problem for the Chinese no.1 who was a semifinalist here last year. Playing against a qualifier in Anca Alexia Todoni will be the sort of test the world no.5 needs to play herself into the right condition to make another deep run here.

Prediction: Zheng in 2

Ateet: Anca Todoni is unlucky here to have drawn one of the favourites for the title in the first round. Todoni comes into this match in good form but playing Zheng will be a big step up in level.

Prediction: Zheng in 2

Jordan: Zheng took extra time to prepare herself for the Australian Open. It remains to be seen if that was the right decision, but she should be comfortable in this opening round match. The Olympic gold medallist to win in straight sets.

Prediction: Zheng in 2
Embed from Getty Images

Sonay Kartal vs Jessica Bouzas Maneiro

Ilemona: Both players stand an equal chance of winning this matchup. Kartal is yet to play a single match this year though and might find herself playing catch-up against her opponent who has been active in Australia since the start of United Cup. Maneiro will have a slight advantage over her opponent but only just.

Prediction: Maneiro in 3

Ateet: Both players are playing their first-ever Australian Open main draw. Bouzas Maneiro has more experience on the tour but Sonay Kartal has already won a WTA title on hard courts. Both had a great season at the ITF level in 2024. Kartal has a strong game with powerful hitting from all corners and if she finds her range, she will win this.

Prediction: Kartal in 3

Jordan: This is a battle between two much improved players. Both women rely more on their athleticism and consistency than powerful hitting, meaning this should be a tight battle. I favor Bouzas Maneiro’s grit slightly more than Kartal’s.

Prediction: Bouzas Maneiro in 3

Diane Parry vs Donna Vekic

Ilemona: Diane Parry will not get a better opportunity to extend her slight edge in the head-to-head as her opponent is in a bit of a rut at the moment. Vekic, who stands at risk of dropping out of the top 20 will have all the motivation she needs to get back to winning ways.

Prediction: Vekic in 3

Ateet: Vekic couldn’t have started her season worse, losing all three matches in straight sets. Vekic looked a different player in those matches and will need to play at a much higher level to avoid an early upset in Melbourne. Vekic is not defending any points here and has a great chance to earn significant ranking points. Parry had a good 2024 season and is good enough to pounce on any mistakes from Vekic. However, I expect the Croatian to bring a good level to this match.

Prediction: Vekic in 3

Jordan: Parry needs to serve well in this matchup to consistently bring her forehand into play. Otherwise, Vekic will have an opportunity to repeatedly target her weaker one-handed backhand. Parry played well in Melbourne last year, but Vekic’s powerful game will likely prevail.

Prediction: Vekic in 2
Embed from Getty Images

Anastasia Potapova vs Tamara Zidansek

Ilemona: All previous matches between these two have gone the distance and a similar outcome is expected here. Zidansek played her way through qualifying and will look to land a blow on Potapova’s second round ambition. Her current momentum should carry her through.

Prediction: Zidansek in 3

Ateet: Potapova had some strong performances on hard courts last year and has started the year on a high note. She has the talent to make a second-week run here, but she will need to play at her best. Tamara Zidansek did well to qualify for the main draw but hard courts are not her strong surface and Potapova should take advantage.

Prediction: Potapova in 3

Jordan: Zidansek can be dangerous when her game is flowing. The Slovenian’s style is also suited to beating players who do not hit with much pace, like Potapova. She could upset her higher-ranked opponent.

Prediction: Zidansek in 3

Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports