Day 9 of the Australian Open sees two women’s quarterfinal matches. #1 seed Ashleigh Barty takes on Petra Kvitova, while CoCo conquerer Sofia Kenin meets shock quarterfinalist Ons Jabeur. Who will win? Our panelists give their thoughts. We also have predictions for the two men’s quarterfinals on Day 9. Predicting the women’s matches are Ryan Schick, Tracey Essex, and Andrew Watson.
Australian Open Day 9 Women’s Predictions
Sofia Kenin vs Ons Jabeur
Tracey:
Sofia Kenin has such fight and determination. She can adjust her game to capitalize on her opponent’s strategy, level or momentary lapses. Add to that her great defense, and I see little change of Ons Jabeur getting past Kenin. While Jabeur has played well to reach this point, I think her run is over.
Prediction: Kenin in 2
Ryan:
Two surprise quarterfinalists facing off who both clearly deserve to be here with their play. It will be a close match but Kenin has been really consistent and solid this tournament and will make fewer errors on her was to her first Grand Slam semifinal.
Prediction: Kenin in 3
Andrew:
The American proved mentally too strong and eventually too consistent on the court for young star Coco Gauff in the last round. Jabeur was well able to take advantage of a big let down by Wang Qiang to become the first ever Arab Grand Slam quarterfinalist. This is a great opportunity for both players, expect nerves to be high. Kenin is the player with the more solid game and is also the player who has more experience in winning titles and big matches. This edge may be enough to deliver a victory here.
Prediction: Kenin in 2
Ashleigh Barty vs Petra Kvitova
Tracey:
Kvitova certainly rose to the challenge against Sakkari, after dropping the first set. In part, Kvitova was gifted with some erratic play from the Greek, but the Czech has looked solid throughout the first week. Ashleigh Barty has the game which can frustrate, and she’ll use it to its fullest against Kvitova. The home crowd can only be to her advantage and I think she’ll impress.
Prediction: Barty in 3
Ryan:
Two of the top three remaining seeds are here in the quarterfinals, and it will be no surprise if the match winner wins the tournament. Both have steamrolled their way to this point in the tournament. Barty has looked really tough to beat recently, and that combined with the crowd behind her will give her just enough of an edge to win.
Prediction: Barty in 3
Andrew:
Heading into this match-up at exactly the same stage twelve months ago, Barty had never beaten Kvitová. That perhaps played a part in a below-par display by the Australian in that defeat. However, the pair met on three further occasions in 2019 and Barty won all three. Someone with her intelligence on a tennis court was bound to find the winning formula at some stage but it will not be easy against the Czech here. Kvitová found her range and rhythm on return against Sakkari last time and dominated the Greek. This will go three sets but this time the Australian will prevail with the confidence of that improved head-to-head record behind her.
Prediction: Barty in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
