Peyton Stearns vs Petra Marcinko Prediction & Picks - WTA Australian Open
WTA - WTA Australian Open
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by Bradley Gibbs | in Tennis Picks
One of the matches due to get underway either late on Wednesday evening or early on Thursday morning (for US viewers) sees Peyton Stearns take on Petra Marcinka, who is playing in the main draw of the Australian Open for the first time ever. This is only Peyton Stearns' second appearance in the Australian Open main draw, but she's much more experienced than her opponent in terms of featuring in Grand Slams in general, which should count for plenty.
Stearns delivered a strong performance to defeat a higher-ranked player during the first round. Marcinka also looked in decent shape during the first round, beating the higher-ranked Tatjana Maria, but can she repeat that effort here? I'm not so sure. When recently beating Camila Osorio in Auckland, she struggled to follow up with a similarly impressive performance, losing to Alexandra Eala, so don't be too surprised if the youngster find this task a little too hot to handle.
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Peyton Stearns vs Petra Marcinko Form
Peyton Stearns and Petra Marcinko Latest Matches
2/6 (33%)
4/6 (67%)
Jan 18, 2026 - WTA Australian Open
Jan 14, 2026 - Hobart International
Jan 12, 2026 - Hobart International
Jan 4, 2026 - ASB Classic
Sep 24, 2025 - WTA China Open
Aug 28, 2025 - WTA US Open
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
Jan 18, 2026 - WTA Australian Open
Jan 10, 2026 - Hobart International
Jan 9, 2026 - Hobart International
Jan 7, 2026 - ASB Classic
Jan 5, 2026 - ASB Classic
Nov 16, 2025 - Billie Jean King Cup
Peyton Stearns - Petra Marcinko Key Points
- Peyton Stearns has a lot more Grand Slam experience than Petra Marcinka.
- Peyton Stearns comes into the second round having beaten a better player in straight sets last time out.
- Petra Marcinko recently struggled against Alexandra Eala, which doesn't bode well ahead of this match.
- Petra Marcinko has never previously made it beyond Australian Open qualifying.
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Our Peyton Stearns vs Petra Marcinko Prediction
20-year-old Petra Marcinko delivered one of her best efforts yet to defeat Tatjana Maria during the first round, picking up her first ever Australian Open success. That win will have filled the young Croatian with confidence, though this could be the end of the road. Peyton Stearns isn't a top player, sure, but she's vastly more experienced than Marcinko, while she looked in very good form last time out.
During the first round, Stearns defeated world number 30 Sofia Kenin in straight sets, a win that tells me she's more than up to getting better of a player lacking in Grand Slam experience.
Our Peyton Stearns vs Petra Marcinko Pick: Peyton Stearns to Win.
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
