The first week of the Australian Open is coming to an end. Two incredible rounds of play are in the books, and we are wrapping up the third. Who will advance to the Round of 16? Friday will provide a bunch of amazing matchups. We’re here to predict the best five of them for you. Predicting today are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), editor Steen Kirby, and writers Eric Han and Jay Sandhu.
Australian Open Day 6 Women’s Predictions
Serena Williams vs Dayana Yastremska
Jay:
Yastremska is a star of the future and has earned some massive wins over the past few months, but Serena is just a step too far. Williams has looked so comfortable so far and I don’t think we’ll see any upset here.
Prediction: Serena in 2
Steen:
Serena has cruised so far and that should continue with another straight set victory.
Prediction: Serena in 2
Eric:
This should be a comfortable match for Serena, and do not see her being troubled at all. Yastremska will take this as a learning experience as she is only 18, and hopefully will play with a “nothing-to-lose attitude” against one of the best female tennis players.
Prediction: Serena in 2
Yesh:
Yastremska is quite possibly a future best player in the world. Unfortunately for her, she is facing the definite current best player in the world.
Prediction: Serena in 2
Camila Giorgi vs Karolina Pliskova
Jay:
Giorgi has had a breakthrough following a quarterfinal run at Wimbledon, and she continues to look strong now. Giorgi is the better player, but is extremely inconsistent, whereas Pliskova is slightly more average but very consistent and reliable. In my opinion, Pliskova should just beat Giorgi in a very close match.
Prediction: Pliskova in 3
Steen:
Pliskova’s strong H2H record should see her win this matchup against the hard hitting Giorgi.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Eric:
Pliskova won Brisbane two weeks ago and has continued her good form here in Melbourne, she should win here rather comfortably.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
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Yesh:
Camila Giorgi is quietly playing really well right now. She could definitely catch Pliskova unawares, especially because her skill set works very well against power hitters. This match should be an upset alert.
Prediction: Giorgi in 3
Elise Mertens vs Madison Keys
Jay:
Mertens is a very good player and that’s evident by her ranking, but I don’t think she has much chance against Keys. The American has looked impressive throughout the first two rounds and I think Mertens is too defensive to cause Keys any trouble.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Steen:
Both players are playing well but the higher ranked Keys should have the game to prevail.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Eric:
This is a toss-up and depends on which player plays the pressure points well. I will go for Mertens as Keys has just recovered from injury and has lacked match play.
Prediction: Mertens in 3
Yesh:
Keys wasn’t expected to do much coming back from injury, but she has played really well so far in Melbourne. Mertens is also playing really well, but Keys is just better overall.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Naomi Osaka vs Su-Wei Hsieh
Jay:
Osaka appears to be one of the favourites to win the title, but Hsieh is the master of upsets and has the variety to frustrate Osaka. It’s a very difficult match to predict, but I just feel like Hsieh has played so well so far this year and could cause yet another major upset.
Prediction: Hsieh in 3
Steen:
Osaka is seeking a second Slam win and should ease past a lower ranked player to en route to a potential title.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Eric:
Hsieh is a tricky player to beat and Osaka can be troubled early on the match if she does not watch out. I can sense Hsieh taking the first set, but Osaka winning the latter two.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
Yesh:
Osaka is one of the women with the most potential, as evidenced by her US Open win last year. Hsieh is a tough and tricky matchup, though. Osaka should be able to pull through, but this is another upset alert.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
Simona Halep vs Venus Williams
Jay:
Halep has had such a difficult draw, but has fought through the challenges so far. Venus, on the other hand, has had a considerably easier draw and struggled in both matches. The American hasn’t been at her best for over a year and I doubt she’ll be able to hit past Halep.
Prediction: Halep in 2
Steen:
Venus should have her run end here as Halep is favored, but given the Romanian’s poor form and injury in the run up to this match an upset is still possible. I expect a close match with Venus pulling an upset.
Prediction: Venus in 3
Eric:
Both players have had physically and mentally draining matches in their previous rounds, but Venus is a significantly older player compared to Simona, so I am not sure whether Venus has recovered for another grueling match. This will be a fun match to watch, but Simona has the edge.
Prediction: Halep in 3
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Yesh:
Halep struggled in her first two matches, and coming back from injury she does not quite have the match fitness she once did. Then again, at close to 40 years of age, neither does Venus. This will be another tough battle and will come down to the tiniest of margins, but Venus is just more physically prepared right now.
Prediction: Venus in 3
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