The final eight have been set in Melbourne, as we have four interesting quarterfinals to preview and predict. Steen Kirby, Yesh Ginsburg, and Niall Clarke are on hand to do so, including the Milos Raonic vs. Rafael Nadal match.
Mischa Zverev vs. (17)Roger Federer
Steen: Four years ago, Federer double bageled Zverev in Halle. At that time, Zverev was barely getting looks at the tour level, and spent his time on the challenger tour. Now the German is playing the best tennis of his career and coming off an upset of the world #1. Federer, now 35, comes off his second straight top 10 victory and also looks to be playing great. Zverev shocked Murray with his serve and volleying, but Federer is solid at playing aggressively, and this matchup does not favor Zverev unless he serves really well and Federer comes out cold. Federer in 4
Yesh: Roger Federer is now the favorite to win the Australian Open. Who would have believed that a week ago? Zverev has had the week of his life, but it will be very difficult for him to keep up a level to challenge Federer. Federer in 4
Niall: The older Zverev shocked the world by beating Andy Murray in the last round, but I can not see the same happening here. Federer has been in superb form, especially considering he has taken six months off and I can not see the Swiss losing this. Federer in 3
(4)Stan Wawrinka vs. (12)Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Steen: Wawrinka has won his last three meetings against Tsonga. The Swiss #1 has a great shot at his fourth slam, and plays well in Melbourne. Tsonga, after two straight four set wins, has to be dreaming of capturing his first Grand Slam as well. With his serve, he should trouble Stan, but Wawrinka has better history in key matches such as this over the past couple of years. Wawrinka in 4
Yesh: Wawrinka has looked vulnerable at times this week, but Tsonga hasn’t been at his best either. If they can both up their level this will be an amazing match, but I have to go with the one with more Slam success. Wawrinka in 5
Niall: This match is one of the closest and most anticipated matches of the round. Both men play aggressive tennis and have the ability to blow anyone away or stink out the joint. This is the first meeting between them on a hardcourt and I favour Stan to get it done in five. Wawrinka is the tougher player mentally and I can see him winning the important points more often. Wawrinka in 5
(9)Rafael Nadal vs. (3)Milos Raonic
Steen: Rafa has had dips in form in both his round 3 and round 4 victories, even though he’s still playing well compared to his usual level on hard courts. Raonic has been lights out by contrast, as he eased past Roberto Bautista Agut in the last round. A fit and motivated Raonic should be slightly better on this surface than Nadal, as long as he dictates play. Raonic in 5
Yesh: Nadal always struggles with big servers, and Raonic has the ground game to cause trouble on the Nadal serve. Nadal will fight, but this is a bad matchup for him Raonic in 4
Niall: This is a rematch of their Brisbane clash in which Raonic won in three sets. Nadal looks better in 2017 than last year but he is still not near his best. The Canadian is a slight favourite, mainly due to his awesome serve and I can see him sneaking this in four sets. Raonic in 4
(11)David Goffin vs. (15)Grigor Dimitrov
Steen: Goffin is playing very well but he’s never defeated Dimitrov (0-4 h2h). The Bulgarian has more upside in this match, and has had a solid tournament and season (9-0 record) despite playing a couple of poor sets in his first four AO wins. Goffin will compete, but Dimitrov is the better player. Dimitrov in 4
Yesh: Goffin and Dimitrov are both in uncharted territory here. Each has struggled at times on the way here, but I think Dimitrov has the best upside so I have to go with him. Dimitrov in 4
Niall: This is certainly not an expected quarter final but it is an interesting one and tough to call. Dimitrov will feel this match is on his racket and if he plays well he will win. However the Bulgarian can often get tight under pressure and I can see Goffin taking advantage. Goffin in 5
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