Australian Open Day 4 Predictions including Gauff vs Burrage

The second round starts on Day 4 of the Australian Open, with 16 women’s singles matches on the schedule. This means that 16 women continue to the 3rd round, while 16 are sent home. But who will it be? As always, our writers here at LWOT share their thoughts on all the matches. We split the 16 matches between four articles – the other three feature 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 matches.

Australian Open Day 4 Women’s Predictions

Magdalena Frech vs Anna Blinkova

Liam:
Two seasoned professionals who have been around the block face off. French defeated Kudermetova 6-4 6-4 which is hugely impressive and she will be looking to do the same against the fellow Russian. Still, in five matches against her, she has only won once, and you just sense that history may repeat itself.
Prediction: Blinkova in 3

Jordan:
Expect many grueling rallies in this match. Blinkova is the more naturally aggressive of the two players. Frech played well in Melbourne last year and I like the chances of her defense wearing down Blinkova.
Prediction: Frech in 3rd

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

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Tatjana Maria vs Clara Tauson

Liam:
Tauson have really impressed this season so far, lifting the title in Auckland, albeit with a little asterisk next to it. Up 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 recent form is much better than veteran Maria’s. However, her game is not suited to handle the German’s variety. This means that this match could be much closer than many expect. Tauson cannot afford any complacency.
Prediction: Tauson in 3rd

Ilemona:
Maria secured a straight-set win over Bernarda Pera. Tauson will need to bring its A-game to challenge Maria’s experience and tactical play.
Prediction: Tauson in 3rd

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Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs Anastasia Potapova

Liam:
Potapova has never quite reached the heights many expected of her after excellent junior success and an incredible start on the senior tour. That said, she’s still had a solid career with relative consistency at the Slams and is just 23 years old with more time to grow. She will continue that, up against a drained Pavlyuchenkova after a thrilling three-set win against Yuan.
Prediction: Potapova in 3

Jordan:
This matchup is a double-edged sword for Pavlyuchenkova. Potapova is capable of extending rallies and making her run, but she will also give the former French Open runner-up time to finish her powerful groundstrokes. Overall, I’m somewhat in favor of Potapova’s defense winning out.
Prediction: Potapova in 3

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

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Coco Gauff vs Jodie Burrage

Liam:
Gauff enters the tournament as one of the favorites and despite not being at her best against Kenin, she won in straight sets with little trouble. Burrage has been able to punch above his weight before, but rarely on the Grand Slam stage. This could be over very quickly.
Prediction: Gauff in 2nd

Jordan:
Gauff beat former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin fairly easily in the opening round without being anywhere near her best. It bodes ill for the rest of the draw. Burrage has nothing to lose, but is unlikely to seriously challenge Gauff.
Prediction: Gauff in 2nd

Ilemona:
Gauff, the 3rd seed, defeated Sofia Kenin in the first round, demonstrating her strong form. Burrage, who secured his first Grand Slam win since 2023, will face a formidable challenge against Gauff’s athleticism and skill.
Prediction: Gauff in 2nd

Main photo credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports