Australian Open Day 5 Predictions including Collins vs Aiava

We conclude the second round of the Australian Open on Day 5 of the competition with 16 women’s singles matches on Thursday. As always, we here at LWOT share our thoughts on each 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 Iga Swiatek vs Rebecca Sramkova. Jordan Reynolds, Steen Kirby and Ilemona Onekutu predict these matches. Who do you think will move on?

Australian Open Day 5 Women’s Predictions

Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Erika Andreeva

Jordan:
Andreeva is improving quickly and likes to face opponents who give her time on her grounds. Haddad Maia has experience on her side, but it could be a challenging matchup. An upset could be on the cards in this one.
Prediction: Andreeva in 3rd

Stone:
Brazilian Haddad Maia won the most WTA matches in her career last year; the 20-year-old Andreeva is looking for her best result in a slam, this fight is a bit of a coin flip and Andreeva has a bright future, but Haddad Maia’s moment is now.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3rd

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

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Jasmine Paolini vs Renata Zarazua

Jordan:
Paolini started impressively in the first round. Zarazua is very unlikely to give her any trouble. No part of the Mexican’s game is better than Paolini’s.
Prediction: Paolini in 2nd

Stone:
Zarazua has never quite been able to make that leap to the WTA level. Paolini had 42 wins at the Tour level last year and is a Top 5 player; anything is possible, but Paolini is in the driver’s seat.
Prediction: Paolini in 3rd

Ilemona:
Jasmine Paolini, coming off a dominant win over Wei Sijia, faces Renata Zarazua, who edged past Taylor Townsend for her first main event win in Melbourne. Paolini’s form and higher ranking give her the edge, but Zarazua’s resilience could make it competitive.
Prediction: Paolini in 2nd

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Jaqueline Cristian vs Lucia Bronzetti

Jordan:
These two have similar styles of trying to bring their forehands into play whenever possible, although Cristian is more reliant on that style. I like Cristian’s chances in situations that encourage her to step up and be aggressive. However, it could be a close fight.
Prediction: Cristian in 3rd

Stone:
Bronzetti is coming off an upset of Azarenka in Round 1 and now faces a very winnable matchup against Cristian in Round 2. Cristian had 20 wins at the Tour level last year and is in a career best, but Bronzetti has a bit of an edge.
Prediction: Bronzetti in 3rd

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

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Danielle Collins vs Destanee Aiava

Jordan:
Aiava’s recovery from 2-5 down in the second set and 3-5 in the third against Greet Minnen was an extraordinary display. The home favorite has nothing to lose in this battle against the runner-up in 2022. Overall, Collins’ game is much more impressive than Minnen’s and she is likely to overwhelm Aiava.
Prediction: Collins in 2nd

Stone:
Home qualifier Aiava looks set to triumph in an upset over Collins and make the leap beyond the ITF circuit. Collins is a former finalist at this tournament who had one of the best years of his 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 stretch the match. Collins should win in straight sets.
Prediction: Collins in 2nd

Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports