Wednesday is the second women’s quarterfinal day at the Australian Open. Three of the women are very unexpected, and all have a huge chance for career-defining runs at this event. Who do you think will win? Our writers share their thoughts. Predicting these matches are Andrew Watson, Jakub Bobro, Ryan Schick, Fraser Learmonth, and Yesh Ginsburg.
Australian Open Women’s Quarterfinal Predictions
Iga Swiatek vs Kaia Kanepi
Andrew:
With the Estonian now completing the full set of Grand Slam quarterfinals at the grand old age of 35 it will be interesting to see how she can recover from this epic. Swiatek didn’t exactly have it easy either so maybe it won’t take a big effect. In terms of performance Swiatek has both held more and broken more often than Kanepi in Melbourne, albeit from an easier schedule. However, I think that Swiatek should be able to step up to meet the fire of Kanepi’s game.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Jakub:
Kanepi has finally completed the set with her victory over Aryna Sabalenka, now reaching a quarterfinal at every slam. The 36-year-old has never made it past this point, though her next opponent did not look unbeatable in her last match. Swiatek is also in her first Australian Open quarterfinal and had to come back from a set down against Sorana Cirstea in the fourth round. With Sabalenka and Halep out, the 20-year-old finds herself a strong favorite to reach the final out of the bottom half, which is certainly a lot of pressure. However, unless Swiatek actually fully crumbles, I expect her to get past Kanepi here.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Ryan:
Iga Swiatek has been one of the most consistent players on tour, reaching the fourth round in the last six Major tournaments. Kanepi is a tour veteran looking for her first career semifinal. Swiatek is used to the stage and a major champion who has looked truly dominant in Melbourne. Kanepi is coming off a career win against Sabalenka and will have trouble following that up against an equally talented but more consistent Swiatek. Swiatek wins comfortably.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Fraser:
Kaia Kanepi is at it again. The serial Grand Slam performer has made yet another deep run at the expense of big names here in Melbourne. Her latest victim is world #2 Aryna Sabalenka. Granted the Belarusian has been shaky all year, but Kanepi is deserving of her spot here regardless with the level of tennis she has produced. She must now try and once again rock the boat when she takes on Iga Swiatek. The Polish star is already a Grand Slam champion and has established herself as a perennial performer in big tournaments despite her young age. She has greater variety than Kanepi and her forehand is a real weapon when firing. Despite doubts about her hard court game, the tennis she’s playing here could well be enough to see her win Grand Slam #2. Either way, it should be enough to see her into the semifinals.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Yesh:
Kanepi keeps beating expectations with each win, but the run has to end here. The Estonian has beaten some big hitters this tournament, but none are in nearly the form that Swiatek is. As long as the Pole doesn’t crack under pressure (which she did do at the French Open last year, to be fair), she’ll win easily.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Danielle Collins vs Alize Cornet
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Andrew:
Well we are going to have a rumble on our hands here. Both women give their absolute all and their personalities to their tennis. In this case I expect that Collins might come out of her 4th round match in slightly better shape physically and that could be key. Cornet’s serve has been surprisingly effective here but another day session in the heat might just be the end of her at the tournament. As a side note I’m not entirely sure how fair it is to continually have the same players experiencing those tough conditions round after round.
Prediction: Collins in 2
Jakub:
Definitely a tough match to call here as Collins and Cornet have not faced each other; they both of them will certainly feel confident in this match-up. Cornet has reached her first quarterfinal in her 63rd Slam appearance. Collins, though having much less tour experience, has been here before, reaching the Australian Open semifinals in 2019. Cornet’s last win over Simona Halep is probably more impressive, but I believe Collins will have an edge here.
Predictions: Collins in 3
Ryan:
Cornet had a career win over Simona Halep where both players struggled physically. Collins has looked sharp all tournament and has plenty of success in the past down under. Cornet is in unfamiliar territory playing her first ever major quarterfinal. Collins has been one of the better players in the WTA over the last year or so and will continue to bring her passionate energy and reach the semis.
Prediction: Collins in 2
Fraser:
Well, if you saw this quarterfinal coming you’ve called this tournament better than most of us have. Danielle Collins enjoys the conditions in Melbourne and her presence here isn’t a total shock given how well she finished 2021. Alize Cornet, however, is a different story. The French star has always been talented but never really showed the consistency and mental fortitude needed to be truly elite in the women’s game. She’s certainly showing it here though. She’s toppled two former world #1 players in Garbiñe Muguruza and Simona Halep. Collins certainly has more firepower and her game is better suited to these conditions. She has also been deep here before and will handle the pressure better. The confidence Cornet is carrying from her play in Melbourne will likely win her a set here, but I expect Collins to edge out the match in the end.
Prediction: Collins in 3
Yesh:
This has been the run of Cornet’s life, and she shows no signs of struggling under pressure. However, I think eventually the tennis and occasion will get to her. Collins is a different type of player than she’s seen so far. And while Cornet has beaten women more talented than the American this tournament, no one is as consistent as Collins. That will make the difference.
Prediction: Collins in 2
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