The women’s singles draw at the Australian Open 2026 is moving into the Third Round (1/16 Finals), a stage where the tournament’s hierarchy usually begins to take clearer shape. With matches scheduled for 23–24 January, several title contenders face potentially dangerous tests, while a number of outsiders look to extend their Melbourne runs.
Below is the full Third Round schedule, followed by expert predictions with tactical and contextual analysis for each matchup.
Australian Open 2026 – Women’s Singles Third Round (1/16 Finals) Schedule
23 January 2026
- Victoria Mboko vs Clara Tauson
- Aryna Sabalenka vs Anastasia Potapova
- Zeynep Sönmez vs Yulia Putintseva
- Coco Gauff vs Hailey Baptiste
- Karolina Muchova vs Magda Linette
- Iva Jovic vs Jasmine Paolini
- Elina Svitolina vs Diana Shnaider
- Elena-Gabriela Ruse vs Mirra Andreeva
24 January 2026
- Jessica Pegula vs Oksana Selekhmeteva
- Karolina Pliskova vs Madison Keys
- Peyton Stearns vs Amanda Anisimova
- Linda Noskova vs Wang Xinyu
- Anna Kalinskaya vs Iga Świątek
- Elena Rybakina vs Linda Valentova
- Naomi Osaka vs Maddison Inglis
- Elise Mertens vs Tereza Bartunkova
Expert Predictions and Match Analysis
Victoria Mboko vs Clara Tauson
Prediction: Mboko vs Tauson – Tauson wins in 3 sets
Mboko has impressed with her composure, but Tauson’s heavier baseline game and experience at this level should eventually prevail. Expect momentum swings before Tauson asserts control.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Anastasia Potapova
Prediction: Sabalenka vs Potapova – Sabalenka wins in straight sets
Potapova is aggressive and confident, but Sabalenka’s serve and first-strike power remain overwhelming when she finds rhythm. Melbourne conditions strongly favor the world No.1’s attacking game.
Zeynep Sönmez vs Yulia Putintseva
Prediction: Sönmez vs Putintseva – Putintseva wins in 2 sets
Sönmez has shown resilience, yet Putintseva’s defensive skills, court coverage, and ability to frustrate opponents make her the favorite in longer rallies.
Coco Gauff vs Hailey Baptiste
Prediction: Gauff vs Baptiste – Gauff wins in straight sets
Baptiste has tools, but Gauff’s return game and improved shot tolerance give her a decisive edge. Expect Gauff to control exchanges from the baseline.
Karolina Muchova vs Magda Linette
Prediction: Muchova vs Linette – Muchova wins in 3 sets
Linette’s consistency could test Muchova early, but Muchova’s variety, net play, and tactical flexibility should ultimately decide the match.
Iva Jovic vs Jasmine Paolini
Prediction: Jovic vs Paolini – Paolini wins in straight sets
Paolini’s footwork and relentless pressure are well suited to Melbourne’s hard courts. Jovic’s progress is notable, but this represents a significant step up in level.
Elina Svitolina vs Diana Shnaider
Prediction: Svitolina vs Shnaider – Svitolina wins in 3 sets
Shnaider’s power makes her dangerous, yet Svitolina’s experience, defensive discipline, and ability to manage big-match moments give her the advantage.
Elena-Gabriela Ruse vs Mirra Andreeva
Prediction: Ruse vs Andreeva – Andreeva wins in straight sets
Andreeva’s form has been outstanding. Her movement, timing, and backhand stability should allow her to neutralize Ruse’s aggression efficiently.
Jessica Pegula vs Oksana Selekhmeteva
Prediction: Pegula vs Selekhmeteva – Pegula wins in straight sets
Pegula’s consistency and court positioning make her a difficult opponent at this stage. Selekhmeteva’s run is impressive, but sustaining pressure over two sets will be challenging.
Karolina Pliskova vs Madison Keys
Prediction: Pliskova vs Keys – Keys wins in 3 sets
A classic power matchup. If Keys controls her unforced errors, her forehand pace and return pressure could tilt the match in her favor.
Peyton Stearns vs Amanda Anisimova
Prediction: Stearns vs Anisimova – Anisimova wins in straight sets
Anisimova’s clean ball-striking and timing have looked sharp. Stearns can compete physically, but Anisimova’s offensive ceiling is higher.
Linda Noskova vs Wang Xinyu
Prediction: Noskova vs Wang – Noskova wins in 3 sets
Both players thrive on pace, but Noskova’s composure and defensive improvements may prove decisive in key moments.
Anna Kalinskaya vs Iga Świątek
Prediction: Kalinskaya vs Świątek – Świątek wins in straight sets
Kalinskaya can disrupt rhythm, yet Świątek’s movement, spin, and ability to dictate play remain unmatched at this stage of the tournament.
Elena Rybakina vs Linda Valentova
Prediction: Rybakina vs Valentova – Rybakina wins in straight sets
Rybakina’s serve and flat groundstrokes are ideally suited to Melbourne. Valentova’s inexperience at this level is likely to show.
Naomi Osaka vs Maddison Inglis
Prediction: Osaka vs Inglis – Osaka wins in straight sets
Osaka’s power and returning should be decisive. Inglis may enjoy home support, but sustaining rallies against Osaka is a demanding task.
Elise Mertens vs Tereza Bartunkova
Prediction: Mertens vs Bartunkova – Mertens wins in straight sets
Mertens’ consistency and match management make her a strong favorite against the young Czech, especially in extended exchanges.
Final Outlook
The Australian Open 2026 women’s Third Round (1/16 Finals) brings together established champions, rising stars, and in-form outsiders. Players such as Sabalenka, Świątek, Gauff, Rybakina, and Osaka are expected to assert themselves, while emerging talents like Andreeva and Mboko continue to test the hierarchy.
For the full Australian Open schedule, live results, and updated draws, visit our dedicated tournament page with daily updates and in-depth coverage.
