Mon Jan 19 05:00:00 UTC 2026: ### Australian Open Day 2: Experts Divided on Key Matchups as Tournament Heats Up
The Story:
Day two of the 2026 Australian Open promises a packed schedule of 28 matches, with several high-profile contests drawing significant attention. Last Word On Tennis’s analysts offer their predictions on matches including Iga Swiatek vs Yuan Yue, Amanda Anisimova vs Simona Waltert, Mirra Andreeva vs Donna Vekic, Jessica Pegula vs Anastasia Zakharova, Coco Gauff vs Kamilla Rakhimova, and Victoria Mboko vs Emerson Jones. Expert opinions are notably split on the Barbora Krejcikova vs Diana Shnaider and Solana Sierra vs Moyuka Uchijima matches, while a more unified view prevails regarding Emma Navarro vs Magda Linette and Karolina Muchova vs Jaqueline Cristian.
Key Points:
- The 2026 Australian Open’s day two features 28 matches.
- Analysts at Last Word On Tennis provide predictions for key matchups.
- Predictions are split on the Barbora Krejcikova vs Diana Shnaider match, with one expert predicting Shnaider in 2, and two predicting Krejcikova in 3.
- Opinions diverge on the Solana Sierra vs Moyuka Uchijima contest, with two experts favoring Uchijima and one siding with Sierra.
- Emma Navarro is widely favored against Magda Linette, with all three analysts predicting a Navarro victory, albeit potentially in three sets.
- Karolina Muchova is unanimously expected to defeat Jaqueline Cristian in two sets.
Key Takeaways:
- The early rounds of the Australian Open often present unpredictable matchups, as evidenced by the divided expert opinions on certain matches.
- Form and recent performance are crucial factors in shaping predictions, but historical success and court versatility also weigh heavily on analysts’ minds.
- Seeded players do not always have an easy path to the second round, as exemplified by the Krejcikova vs Shnaider match being considered a challenging opener for Shnaider.
- Clay-court specialists like Solana Sierra face added pressure when competing on hard courts.
First Piper 