WTA Adelaide Jan 12th to 17th

No surprises yesterday so the biggest names left in the draw play each other in the Adelaide final. Mirra Andreeva has the more reliable game from the baseline but Vicky Mboko has the better serve. The outcome of this match will make a big difference to Andreeva if she wins. She will have a huge boost just before the Australian Open. Vicky Mboko has nothing to lose and will free wheel. Her determination and refusal to lose is a quality that could see her push Andreeva close. 

DTM recommends

M.Andreeva to win 

3 set outcome

Mirra Andreeva is getting close to her best again. Her performance to beat Maya Joint was impressive and a million miles from her first set against Gadecki in Brisbane. She still has to overcome her second serve issues if she is to beat the very top of the game but her doubles partner will be a nice test that DTM expects she will overcome. Victoria Mboko will be her opponent in the final and this will be another serious test. Mboko will end Birrell's run in the other semi final:) 

DTM recommends

V.Mboko to beat K.Birrell

M.Andreeva to beat D.Shnaider

It was very fine margins that led to Mboko coming through her first match in Adelaide. Anna Kalinskaya may feel hard done by to lose that match. Madison Keys is improving every match she seemingly plays in 2026. She came through her first match with Valentova with ease and this looks ominous for the rest of the field. She has every chance now to defend her title :)

 J.Cristian will be pleased to have reached this point in the draw with little difficulty against two higher ranked players. In theory she is favourite to beat Birrell but DTM feels like the Aussie might surprise Cristian who has not got a big shot so this could go close. Diana Shnaider and Emma Navarro as well as Mirra Andreeva and Maya Joint are matches that should be left alone. 

DTM recommends

M.Keys to beat V.Mboko 

K.Birrell to beat J.Cristian

After watching Anna Kalinksaya lose two match points in an almighty tussle with Mboko in the first of 8 second round ties it feels like one of those periods where players somehow snatch defeat from the jaws of victory! Mirra Andreeva continues her climb back to the top of her game. At times it is like watching her walk through treacle such are her mental demons over her game. But step by step she is getting there:) Her victory over Bouzkova was impressive. Maya Joint against Ajla Tomljanovic is a Aussie derby. Two Australians who are both in solid form. DTM suggest a 3 set outcome here. Marketa Vondrousova had a good win against Samsonova and will beat Birrell:) The best option ion round 2 is Daria Kasatkina to beat Cristian. Although a win over Alexandrova looks impressive, the Russian hit over 50 unforced errors in just 2 sets. Kasatkina won't be as generous. 

DTM recommends

D.Kasatkina to beat J.Cristian

M.Vondrousova to beat K.Birrell

M.Joint v A.Tomljanovic to be 3 sets

Jelena Ostapenko appears to have become a doubles player more than ever these days. Her singles form is close to awful. Tereza Valentova is the player to watch this year. Still prone to immaturity which is to be expected, but she should be far too consistent for the Latvian. 

Leylah Fernandez had a terrible result last week but she should be able to get back to her winning form against Shnaider. Lots of matches in the first round look to be close. 3 set outcomes could prove profitable.

DTM recommends

T.Valentova to beat J.Ostapenko

L.Fernandez to beat D.Shnaider