The first two of the women’s quarterfinal matches at the Australian Open will be contested on Tuesday in Melbourne. As always, our writers will share their thoughts on all the matches with you. This article has the two matches set on Sunday, and we’ll get the other matches to you when they’re set. Predicting these matches are Damian Kust, Jack Edward, Shane Black, Jakub Bobro, and Glenys Furness. Who do you think will win?
Australian Open Women’s Quarterfinal Predictions
Elena Rybakina vs Jelena Ostapenko
Damian:
One thing’s for sure, very few balls will not be played at 100% pace here. Both players scored great wins in the previous round, going huge against a world-class opponent who’s vulnerable to extreme power. Rybakina’s better serve probably gives her the edge though as Ostapenko won’t get quite as many free points.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3
Jack:
It’s always difficult to call any match with Jelena Ostapenko involved. She feels like a real threat when she gets to the latter stages of a big tournament though. After all, she’s only made it to the quarters of 11 Grand Slam and WTA 1000 events combined out of the 76 she’s played so far and we know what happened at the French Open in 2017. Elena Rybakina’s style of play is a polished version of Ostapenko’s but it still feels as though the ball is in the Latvian’s court. I’ll assume Ostapenko will be playing close to the peak of her powers.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Shane:
Both Jelena Ostapenko and Elena Rybakina have looked dominant in their four wins in Melbourne. Ostapenko has taken advantage of these slick courts with her aggressive style of play. Her power has been overwhelming, specifically in her fourth-round win over Coco Gauff. I have trouble seeing how Rybakina can redirect Ostapenko’s power. The Latvian has won their two previous meetings in straight sets. I believe she does so once again.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 2
Jakub:
Rybakina and Ostapenko, both past Slam champions in their own right, pulled off some brilliant upsets to get to the final eight. Rybakina took out top seed Iga Swiatek 6-4 6-4 while Ostapenko eliminated Coco Gauff. Ostapenko has won both of their previous meetings and despite the fact that Rybakina is playing better now than before. The Latvian is borderline unbeatable on her day but has the potential to self-combust on court.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Glenys:
Ostapenko has only dropped one set so far and took out seventh seed Gauff last round. Rybakina took an even bigger scalp, taking out the top seed Swiatek in straight sets. Ostapenko leads the head to head, but anything can happen in a grand slam. Rybakina needs to watch out for the “seed bounce” after taking out the top seed.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Victoria Azarenka vs Jessica Pegula
Damian:
It looks like the matchups don’t matter for Pegula at this year’s Australian Open. She basically plays whoever she has to play at the time and is absolutely flying at the moment. Azarenka hasn’t looked nearly as clean and probably isn’t a title contender like the American.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Jack:
The two-time champ Victoria Azarenka is looking good but it’s tough to see her landing a blow on Jessica Pegula even if she’s playing her best. The American is playing so well, it’s difficult to see anybody but the biggest hitters in the game causing her any problems. Azarenka’s middling serve will be returned with interest whilst the Belarusian’s own electric returns will be absorbed by Pegula’s great hands. I’d go as far as saying Jessica Pegula is the current favourite for the title.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Shane:
essica Pegula has looked like a woman on a mission in Melbourne as she is one win away from her first career Grand Slam semifinal. The American is 8-1 this season and has not dropped a set in any of her victories. Two-time Australian Open Champion Victoria Azarenka provides an intriguing matchup as she knows how to raise her level when it matters most. That said, Pegula is well-equipped to deal with the pressure of this quarterfinal bout. She has the tools and confidence to dispatch the Belorussian.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Jakub:
Pegula has been ripping through the draw here. Since her season opener loss to Kvitova, the American has won 16 straight sets and dropped only 35 games across eight matches. Two-time champion Azarenka is back in the quarterfinals in Melbourne for the first time since 2016 after three-set wins over Madison Keys and Lin Zhu. Pegula lost in the quarterfinals in her last two Australian Open appearances but I believe she will clear that hurdle this time.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Glenys:
This is a fairly even match up–having played each other four times, they each have two wins. Pegula, as third seed, has eased through in straight sets to this stage, whereas Azarenka has faced more stiff opposition having dropped a couple of sets. This should be a great match.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
