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, Elena Rybakina vs Iva Jovic, and Danielle Collins vs Destanee Aiava. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Steen Kirby, and Ilemona Onekutu. Who do you think will advance?

Australian Open Day 5 Women’s Predictions

Madison Keys vs Elena-Gabriela Ruse

Jordan:
Could Keys slip under the radar and having a deep run in Melbourne? The conditions at this year’s Australian Open suit her game and she is in great form after winning the title in Adelaide. Ruse is unlikely to cause her many problems in this matchup.
Prediction: Keys in 2

Steen:
Keys won Adelaide and is rebuilding her form quickly. The 27-year-old Ruse was great to come through qualifying but is a career journeyman; Keys has a bigger game for this big moment.
Prediction: Keys in 2

Ilemona:
Keys’ power game was firing in the first round, while Ruse showed defensive resilience. If Keys keeps her unforced errors down, she should win in straight sets.
Prediction: Keys in 2

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Danka Kovinic vs Dayana Yastremska

Jordan:
Yastremska has mostly struggled since reaching the semifinal at last year’s Australian Open. That means defending as many of her points from last year as possible is crucial. I like her chances against Kovinic, who does not like being rushed on her groundstrokes.
Prediction: Yastremska in 2

Steen:
Kovinic hasn’t been a factor on tour in four years but did get out of the first round and has previously reached the third round at this tournament. Yastremska has started the year off well as she looks to return to the Top 30. She should have the upper hand in her quest for the third round.
Prediction: Yastremska in 2

Ilemona:
Yastremska’s big-hitting first-round win showed her potential, while Kovinic’s steady play could test her patience. If Yastremska stays aggressive, she should edge out in straight sets.
Prediction: Yastremska in 2

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Yafan Wang vs Daria Kasatkina

Jordan:
There will be plenty of lengthy rallies between two players who do not hit with much pace. I struggle to see how Wang will be able to grind down Kasatkina, whose trademark is scrapping through tough battles. The No. 9 seed should have few issues here.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2

Steen:
Wang put together 15 Tour-level wins last year. The 30-year-old is at a disadvantage against Kasatkina, a Top 10 player who was 40-23 last year and has already started well. Kasatkina has a dark horse hope of winning this whole tournament.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2

Ilemona:
Kasatkina’s craft and consistency make her the favorite against Wang, whose baseline game could struggle against Kasatkina’s angles and variety. Expect Kasatkina to win in straight sets.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2

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Iga Swiatek vs Rebecca Sramkova

Jordan:
Expect this to be entertaining. Sramkova burst onto the scene unexpectedly last year and her powerful hitting is superb to watch at its best. Swiatek should benefit from playing a competitive and high quality opening match against Katerina Siniakova. I am not convinced enough to back an upset, but this could be closer than many expect.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3

Steen:
Sramkova is playing well. How does that translate against a world class opponent in Swiatek? Probably not well enough. Swiatek is still seeking her first ever Australian Open title and I don’t see her falling out of contention this early.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2

Ilemona:
Swiatek’s dominant first-round win and elite shot-making should make this a routine victory over Sramkova, barring any major lapses.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2

Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports