Venus Williams will begin a remarkable 33rd consecutive professional season on Day 2 at WTA Auckland. The five-time Wimbledon singles champion faces a challenging contest against Magda Linette. Elina Svitolina, who ended her 2025 season early, is another player whose match is predicted in this article.
The other action, including Donna Vekic vs Alexandra Eala, is predicted in another article. As always, we at LWOT offer our preview and prediction for all matches in Brisbane. But who will advance?
WTA Auckland Day 2 Predictions
Camila Osorio vs Petra Marcinko
Head-to-head: First meeting
Marcinko quietly slipped into the Top 100 after winning three ITF titles from October to December. She did not need to qualify in Auckland and will also make her Grand Slam main draw debut at the Australian Open. Osorio is a gritty opponent who never makes it easy for her opponents. Although the Colombian has that and experience on her side, Marcinko’s excellent recent hard court form makes me back her.
Prediction: Marcinko in 3
Ella Seidel vs Monique Barry
Head-to-head: First meeting
This should be the perfect draw for Seidel. Barry is a local wild card who sits outside the Top 700 and has never been ranked inside the Top 400. Seidel can be inconsistent, but her losing this match or even dropping a set would be surprising.
Prediction: Seidel in 2
Elina Svitolina vs Varvara Gracheva
Head-to-head: Svitolina 2-0 Gracheva
Svitolina is the more complete and steady player with a much better list of accomplishments. Nonetheless, she cannot afford any complacency against Gracheva, who is talented and should have achieved more to date with her ability. The Frenchwoman will try to get into as many cross-court rallies with her excellent backhand, but Svitolina’s more solid game will likely prevail.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Venus Williams vs Magda Linette
Head-to-head: Williams 2-0 Linette
Williams probably needs to win this match in straight sets. Although still performing at a decent level at 45-years-old is incredible, Linette’s physical style and willingness to grind out results would make winning in a third set challenging. The tennis legend, who received an Australian Open wild card, will undoubtedly have flashes of brilliance that thrill the crowd. Overall, though, I expect Linette to wear her opponent down.
Prediction: Linette in 3
Main Photo Syndication: Desert Sun/USAToday Images