We will wrap up the quarterfinals on Day 10 of the Australian Open on Wednesday. Who will move on to Thursday’s semifinals? We give you our thoughts on both matches, which should be great ones. Predicting these matches are Tracey Essex, David Adair, and Andrew Watson.
Australian Open Day 10 Women’s Predictions
Garbine Muguruza vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Tracey:
The form which propelled her to Slam titles has almost returned for Garbine Muguruza. Defeating the #5 and #9 seeds in straight sets clearly shows the Spaniard is back on track after an inconsistent and lackluster 2019. Pavlyuchenkova is certainly in great touch, knocking out the #2 and #17 seeds. The head to head is 4-1 in favor of Muguruza. I’ll back her to win the battle of two in form players.
Prediction: Muguruza in 3
David:
32-year-old Anastasia Pavluchenkova has reached the quarterfinals of every Slam, but never further. The monster ground-stroker will not have a better chance to do so. For sure, Muguruza has Slam pedigree and destroyed Svitolina, but there is a belief about Pavlyuchenkova in Melbourne. Murguruza holds a 4-1 head-to-head advantage (3-0 on hardcourts), but head-to-head records mean nothing here, just ask Wang Qiang. This looks as though it will be a tough encounter on paper, but it will probably be done in two sets. Muguruza still has it in her to fold when things aren’t going her way.
Prediction: Pavlyuchenkova in 2
Andrew:
Two of the most experienced athletes in the quarterfinals go head-to-head here. The Spaniard has had by far the better of their previous encounters; the Russian has never beaten Muguruza in a completed match. Both players have been resounding in their return to form in this tournament. Winners have been flying from both women’s rackets with powerful regularity, but especially the Russian’s. Pavlyuchenkova has hit an incredible 167 winners in her last seven sets. Both players are known more for their attack than defence so this will be a great spectacle. The big-game matchplay of the two-time Grand Slam winner Muguruza may just be the difference in this quarterfinal.
Prediction: Muguruza in 3
Anett Kontaveit vs Simona Halep
Tracey:
I see little to prevent Halep’s semifinal appearance. While Kontaveit is a tremendously talented player who’s produced exceptional results in Melbourne Park, this is the deepest she’s been at a Slam. It’s a big moment for the Estonian. And, Halep is by far the toughest opponent she’s yet to face. Halep is in great form and it’s hard to stop the Romanian when she’s focused and playing at this level.
Prediction: Halep in 2
David:
The words that adorn Wimbledon seem most relevant and ironic at the Australian Open this year: “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs.” This is exactly what Simona Halep has done. It’s hard to believe given that her coach and mentor Darren Cahill left the Halep camp for a while due to her lack of mental fortitude a few years back. Halep has been the epitome of strength and focus this tournament. Kontaveit has done brilliantly to enter unchartered quarterfinal Slam territory for the first time. However, is hard to see her getting beyond a fiercely focused Halep.
Prediction: Halep in 3
Andrew:
Halep has dominated the Estonian on both of the occasions that they have met so far. Kontaveit fought hard and played well in defeating the talented Pole Iga Swiatek in the round of 16, but will need to reach a couple of levels higher if she is to defeat Halep. The Romanian herself won a really high quality encounter against Elise Mertens and simply a repeat of that kind of performance till take her close here. Expect the Romanian to progress to the semi-finals here.
Prediction: Halep in 2
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