The second Australian Open women’s semifinal is set. In addition to the blockbuster matchup between Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka (which we also offer predictions for), Jennifer Brady will battle Karolina Muchova for a spot in the final. Who will win? Our writers offer their thoughts on the match. Predicting this match are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), Jim Smith, Elias Laradi, Ryan Schick, and Steen Kirby.
Australian Open Semifinal Predictions
Karolina Muchova vs Jennifer Brady
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Yesh:
Jennifer Brady is the better play. She has the power and game to win several hard court Majors, and can hit literally anybody off the court. That will include Karolina Muchova, who did an amazing job reaching the semifinals, including an upset of World #1 Ash Barty in the quarterfinal. Brady’s biggest problem is she has bouts of inconsistency. With Muchova’s game, Brady absolutely will lose this match if she loses focus like she did several times in her quarterfinal. Ultimately, though, I think Brady will handle this biggest of tests and play consistent tennis–which means a relatively easy win.
Prediction: Brady in 2
Jim:
Understandably, few would have predicted this semifinal when the tournament began, but both players have more than earned their spot in the last four. It promises to be a close contest as well, but it is Karolina Muchova who has negotiated the more difficult path to the semifinals and played, marginally, the better tennis. If she can maintain the level she has shown thus far, expect her to just edge out the American Jennifer Brady.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
Steen:
We’ll get a surprise finalist either way. Brady has been here before, reaching the semis of last year’s US Open, while Muchova is now in uncharted territory. This should be a close match, and nerves are to be expected, but Muchova has a little more upside this week. If she plays as well as she has so far, she should just edge out the match.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
Elias:
Brady has been playing some great tennis and plays a very aggressive game. Muchova is a tricky player to break down and is known to have slow starts but able to rally back. I honestly think Brady is too much of a strong player and another slow start could be curtains for Muchova.
Prediction: Brady in 3
Ryan:
Two players battling for their first Slam final appearance who have both dominated, each losing their first set all tournament in the quarterfinal. Muchova had the tougher draw, beating three seeds on her way to the semis, including two Top 10 players. Brady had an easier road but blew away her competition, and has experience at this stage with her US Open semifinal last year, where she took a set off Naomi Osaka. Brady has looked among the world’s best on hard court, and Muchova struggled physically last match and Brady will outlast and overpower Muchova to make the final.
Prediction: Brady in 2
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