WTA Brisbane Day 3 Predictions Including Elena Rybakina vs Shuai Zhang

2026 is under way on the WTA Tour with everyone already looking forward to the Australian Open. However, there are still many tournaments to play before that, with WTA Brisbane one of the highest level events on paper. Day 3 should provide plenty of exciting tennis, with even some top 10 players in action this Monday Down Under. Our other article features Madison Keys vs McCartney Kessler. But who will advance?

WTA Brisbane Day 3 Predictions

Sofia Kenin vs Ekaterina Alexandrova

Head-to-head: Kenin 1-1 Alexandrova

Alexandrova had the best season of her career in 2025, rose all the way up to No. 10 in the world, and will be looking to do even better this season. Obviously, Kenin has reached much higher highs in her career but at this point she is very far from those peaks, even if she did win this matchup in Tokyo last year. It should be a close match in general, but at this point in their respective careers Alexandrova should be able to pull through.

Prediction: Alexandrova in 3

Sorana Cirstea vs Jelena Ostapenko

Head-to-head: Ostapenko 4-2 Cirstea

At 35, Cirstea keeps rolling along and is looking to have another solid season. In terms of potential, she doesn’t quite match Ostapenko, who can beat pretty much anyone on her day, but her superior consistency could well get her to the next round here. It is a very difficult match to call and one that will mostly depend on which version of Ostapenko shows up.

Prediction: Cirstea in 3

Elena Rybakina vs Shuai Zhang

Head-to-head: Rybakina 2-1 Zhang

Elena Rybakina should be riding a wave of confidence after her victory at the WTA Finals, hoping that 2026 is the year that finally brings her a second Grand Slam title. The Australian Open is a great opportunity for her to do so. Under normal circumstances, she should be too powerful and overwhelm Zhang from the back of the court to advance to the next round.

Prediction: Rybakina in 2