The 2019 Australian Open Quarterfinals will conclude with Novak Djokovic vs Kei Nishikori and Milos Raonic vs Lucas Pouille. Our panelists offer up their predictions.
Novak Djokovic vs Kei Nishikori
Steen Kirby: Nishikori has a puncher’s chance but Djokovic dominates the h2h and he’s simply the better player in a matchup of players with counterpunching styles. Djokovic should cruise into the semifinals with Nishikori ending another slam disappointed with a loss against a top player. Djokovic in 3
Tracey Essex: Two of the best defensive players meet in the quarterfinals, looking for their spot in the semis. Brilliant strategy will be the hallmark of this match, but the offensive player is the one who will win. Both Djokovic and Nishikori have spent a lot of time on court and the toll it takes will be evident in the early games. Djokovic’s several falls will leave him bruised, though not enough to hamper his level of play. Nishikori will take a set (maybe two) but the offensive edge goes to Djokovic and that’s what it will take to win. Djokovic in 5
Eric Han: Djokovic has a dominating 15-2 head-to-head lead against Nishikori, with Nishikori last beating Djokovic in 2014, since then Djokovic has been on a 14 match win streak against the Japanese. Nishikori has played 3 five setters throughout the tournament, and will he have enough energy to play against Djokovic, which will for sure be a gruelling match? I predict Djokovic to win in the end, but Nishikori might take a set. Djokovic in 4
Milos Raonic vs Lucas Pouille
Steen: Raonic dominated Alex Zverev and Pouille doesn’t have much of a chance in this matchup. The match is on the Canadian’s racquet and unless his serve collapses he should ease into the semifinals without incident. Raonic in 3
Tracey: Milos Raonic is playing like the unstoppable man. In his last match, his slice backhand caused top-notch player Alexander Zverev to net many a balls. Combine that slice with a powerful serve and a high percentage net game, Raonic is definitely moving on to the semis. Not to take anything away from Pouille who’s had his career best in a major. While he’s played incredibly well, he just doesn’t have the tools to get past Milos. Raonic in 3
Eric: Raonic has a 3-0 head-to-head record against the Frenchman and has starting to become a dark horse here at Melbourne. I think Raonic will win this match, he has been playing extremely well and I expect to continue this against Pouille. Raonic in 4
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