It’s time to finish the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. Only three rounds remain until we crown a Grand Slam champion. Will it be Serena Williams again? Will it be anybody else? Before we find out the winner, though, we have to know who wins the quarterfinals. There are two quarterfinal matches on Wednesday: Serena Williams vs Karolina Pliskova and Elina Svitolina vs Naomi Osaka. Who will win? We predict them for you. Predicting today are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), Brett Margolies, Tracey Essex, Eric Han, and Jay Sandhu.
Australian Open Day 10 Women’s Quarterfinals Predictions
Elina Svitolina vs Naomi Osaka
Brett:
Naomi Osaka has shown her ability to fight when things aren’t going her way, something that we hadn’t seen from her too much in her breakout season last year. Svitolina had a perfect practice match against Madison Keys, who plays a similar style to Osaka. This match should be close, but I’ll give a slight edge to Svitolina.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Eric:
Svitolina has never progressed beyond the quarter finals at any major. I believe this is more of a mental factor than anything else, as she seems to perhaps doubt herself when she reaches the latter stages of a major tournament. Based on this, I will say Osaka will win, but it will be close.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
Tracey:
This match could go either way. Both are Top 10 players, who’ve shown the determination and the grit to get through their previous matches. In their last meeting in Miami, Svitolina took out Osaka in straight set. But, Osaka’s maturity as a player has carried her through tough moments and propelled her to her first Slam win. The Ukrainian superstar has been playing with such confidence – her belief makes me a believer too.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Yesh:
I keep on underestimating Osaka. It’s hard to predict her because she’s so hot and cold. When she plays her best, she’s nearly unbeatable. But too often she plays at a level that allows her opponents to stay in the match. Against Svitolina, that tendency can be deadly, as Svitolina can counterpunch well against her power game.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Jay:
Osaka is a very patchy at the moment and it’s very difficult to predict how she will play. Svitolina has had a very tough draw, but has fought through some very tough matches in the last couple of rounds. I believe Svitolina’s defense will be too much for the Japanese player and she will deny her the world number one spot
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Serena Williams vs Karolina Pliskova
Brett:
Even though Serena owns a 2-1 lead in the H2H against Pliskova, there a definitely other matchups Serena would prefer here. Pliskova’s power game will keep her in the match, but Serena looks like she’s in championship level form. Pliskova would have to play her best and I don’t think she will.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Tracey:
Pliskova keeps gaining momentum in each of her matches. In her last match, she won 80% of her first serve points and 75% of her second serve points. This is obviously a dangerous match-up for Serena. But, she’s won 23 Grand Slams for a reason. A tough competitor, Serena seems to find a way through. Upping her second serve will be a must if Serena is to end Piskova’s run.
Prediction: Williams in 3
Yesh:
Serena has been dominant all tournament, except in her last two sets against Halep. If her level drops again like it did in that match, she’ll be vulnerable. Pliskova, meanwhile, is one of the few women with the power to outhit Serena. It’s probably not the safer call, but I’m going with the upset here.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Eric:
Serena looked sharp and motivated against Halep in the previous round. Even Serena’s coach, Patrick Mouratoglou said after her victory against Halep that Williams is physically and mentally ready to win her 24th Major title. I predict Serena to continue her good form and win comfortably.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Jay:
Serena is playing so well at the moment and I just can’t see how Pliskova can beat her. Even at the Czech’s best, her game is too one dimensional to harm Serena, and although they have similar playing styles, Serena is just slightly better than Pliskova at everything.
Prediction: Williams in 2
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