We wrap up the second round of the Australian Open on Day 5 of the competition, with 16 women’s singles matches on tap Thursday. As always, we here at LWOT share our thoughts on every match. We split the 16 matches between four articles, with the other three featuring Amanda Anisimova vs Emma Raducanu, Danielle Collins vs Destanee Aiava, and Iga Swiatek vs Rebecca Sramkova. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Steen Kirby, and Ilemona Onekutu. Who do you think will advance?

Australian Open Day 5 Women’s Predictions

Katie Boulter vs Veronika Kudermetova

Jordan:
Boulter was not at her best against Rebecca Marino but narrowly fought through. She might prefer playing Kudermetova, despite her career being more accomplished than Marino’s. Kudermetova will hit her groundstrokes with pace, which Boulter prefers and often thrives against.
Prediction: Boulter in 3

Steen:
Kudermetova has been impressive at times, Boulter was an impressive 34-22 last season though and her moment is now. She’s set to make a run here.
Prediction: Boulter in 2

Ilemona:
Boulter’s solid form and power were evident in the first round, but Kudermetova’s aggressive return game could test her serve. If Boulter maintains her composure, she should have the edge.
Prediction: Boulter in 3

Embed from Getty Images

Ons Jabeur vs Camila Osorio

Jordan:
Jabeur needs to be wary here. Osorio, known as a clay courter throughout most of her career, has substantially improved on hard courts, which she proved by beating Maria Sakkari in the last round. I still favor Jabeur’s variety and more complete game slightly more, but an Osorio victory would not be surprising.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3

Steen:
Osorio is better on clay but steadily improving. Jabeur is pushing hard to return to the Top 10, and on this surface she should have the upper hand.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3

Ilemona:
Jabeur’s flair and variety will likely overwhelm Osorio, whose game thrives on extended rallies. If Jabeur stays consistent, she should win in straight sets.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2

Embed from Getty Images

Eva Lys vs Varvara Gracheva

Jordan:
Gracheva is the cleaner ball striker of these two players. The Frenchwoman is inconsistent and predicting her matches is challenging. However, I will back her to win since her game is better suited to the conditions.
Prediction: Gracheva in 2

Steen:
Gracheva is an inconsistent but talented player. The lucky loser Lys is 23 and trying to leave her mark; anything could happen but Gracheva is at an advantage.
Prediction: Gracheva in 2

Ilemona:
Gracheva’s recent consistency makes her a tough opponent, but Lys’ aggressive play could turn the match into a baseline battle. Slight edge to Gracheva in three sets due to her steadier shot-making.
Prediction: Gracheva in 3

Embed from Getty Images

Elena Rybakina vs Iva Jovic

Jordan:
Rybakina is playing a teenager for the second consecutive match, but Jovic is likely to more competitive than Emerson Jones was. The American thrashed Nuria Parrizas Diaz in the opening round and also reached the US Open second round last year. She is probably not ready to beat Rybakina, but expect a fun match.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2

Steen:
Three consecutive years of 40+ wins and an Australian Open final in her past, Rybakina remains one of the top names to watch in women’s tennis. Jovic is a talented teenager who we will see a lot more of, but in this moment, Rybakina should be favored.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2

Ilemona:
Rybakina’s dominant serve and first-round efficiency make her the clear favorite against Jovic, who lacks experience at this level. Expect Rybakina to control the match from the baseline and win comfortably.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2

Main Photo Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports