2022 Australian Open Women's Day 1 Odds, Match Previews, and Predictions: Osaka and Barty Headline Day 1

2022 Australian Open Women's Day 1 Odds, Match Previews, and Predictions: Osaka and Barty Headline Day 1

Day 1 of the Women’s Australian Open card features several standout matchups to spot for tennis picks. Below, we rundown through the day’s schedule and highlight some of the best matches to spot. 

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Naomi Osaka vs. Maria Camilla Osorio

The return of Naomi Osaka to the WTA Tour is welcomed by tennis fans the world over, but serious fitness questions precede the Japanese star after taking an extended leave of absence from tournament play. Osaka warmed up at the Melbourne event a fortnight ago, but her campaign ended prematurely as she withdrew with an abdomen strain. Importantly, though, Osaka is 3-0 coming into the first round of the Australian Open. It’s her first-ever meeting with Maria Camilla Osorio of Colombia.

Pick: Osaka -350 in straight sets (Bet $350 to Win $100)

Donna Vekic vs. Alison Riske

Croatia’s Donna Vekic is the consummate competitor, and she leads the head-to-head series with American Alison Riske 3-2, which includes a win in Tenerife last year. Riske comes into this matchup as the slight favorite after reaching the Adelaide International 2 final (l. to M. Keys). 

The confidence Riske gained in reaching the final could propel her through the first round. However, Vekic presents a value betting option as the small underdog if she capitalizes on Riske’s fatigue. It’s a quick turnaround between the two events.

Picks: Vekic +120 (Bet $100 to Win $120)

Victoria Azarenka vs. Panna Udvardy

Victoria Azarenka warmed up for the Australian Open at the Adelaide International where she reached the quarterfinal. Azarenka lost to Iga Swiatek in three sets. Hungary’s Panna Udvardy by contrast arrives with a 0-2 record on the season. 

Azarenka is a runaway favorite to win this matchup and advance into the second round, but with odds in the triple-digits bettors are better off looking at set betting markets for value bets. Azarenka to win in straight sets is priced at -550, while a three-set win is priced at +500. The first match of a tournament can bring nerves, especially when the pressure is going to be entirely on Azarenka.

Picks: Azarenka to win in three sets +500 (Bet $100 to Win $500)

Barbora Krejcikova vs. Andrea Petkovic

Czech Barbora Krejcikova is coming off a banner season, winning her maiden grand slam title at the French Open last year and making deep runs at Wimbledon and the US Open. Whether she can back up those results with a solid Australian Open campaign remains to be seen. She’s getting no favors from the draw with a matchup against veteran Andrea Petkovic. Petkovic isn’t the player she once was, but she can make things difficult. 

Krejcikova has the 1-0 edge over Petkovic, having beaten the German at the Wimbledon Championships last season. Both players come into the first round with wins under their belts, making this a contest that could go the distance. It’s a tossup for tennis picks, but Krejcikova to win in three sets is the bet. Another option is to bet simply the sets irrespective of the winner. A three-set showdown is priced at +250 with bet365.

Picks: Krejcikova to win in three sets at +333 (Bet $100 to Win $333)

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Sofia Kenin vs. Madison Keys

An all-American showdown is on the cards when Sofia Kenin and Madison Keys collide in the first round of the Australian Open. Kenin is the 2020 Australian Open champion, but she is coming off a tough 2021 campaign riddled with injuries and disappointments. A fact that has her tipped as the underdog in this first-round contest. 

Keys has the 2-1 head-to-head edge over Kenin, and brings a 6-1 record to the first round after winning the Adelaide International 2 event at the weekend, beating Alison Riske in a straight-set final. Keys comes into this tournament on a wave of confidence while Kenin boasts a 2/2 record after suffering setbacks at both the Adelaide International 1 and Sydney tournaments.

Picks: Keys -188 to win or at +300 to win in three sets (Bet $100 to Win $300)

Ashleigh Barty vs. Lesya Tsurenko

World No.1 Ashleigh Barty kicks off the night session with a primetime showdown against Lesya Tsurenko on Rod Laver arena. Barty won the Adelaide International 1 event a fortnight ago, clinching both the singles and doubles titles. She’s one of the most in-form players on the WTA tour right now, and short of an absolute mental breakdown, it’s impossible to see her losing her tournament opener.

The last time Barty and Tsurenko crossed paths was in the first round of the 2020 Australian Open. Barty won in three sets. This time around, with Barty’s newfound confidence, a straight-set victory is more likely. 

Picks: Barty -500 to win in straight sets (Bet $500 to Win $100)