The final two women’s quarterfinal matches at the Australian Open will be settled on Wednesday. As always, we here at LWOT will share our thoughts on the matches. Who do you think will win? Predicting these matches are Jack Edward, Damian Kust, Yesh Ginsburg, and Shane Black.
Australian Open Women’s Quarterfinal Predictions
Karolina Pliskova vs Magda Linette
Jack:
Both Karolina Pliskova and Magda Linette have come through their four matches so far relatively unscathed, Linette the only one of the two to drop a set. Though Linette’s opponents were stronger, it’s arguably the former world #1 that’s been the most impressive. After an injury layoff at the start of 2022, Pliskova sustained a lot of early losses where many fans wrote her off. Under the radar, she seems to have played herself back to her terrifying best on serve and could easily take this match by the scruff of the neck given the number of Linette’s service games she’ll have a chance in.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Damian:
Linette is having the best week of her career and has been incredible at absorbing and redirecting pace. This is very much the skillset she’ll need against Pliskova and she has just defeated her opponent at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in November. The Czech beat her in New York, though, and has a 7-2 head-to-head against Linette. It’s bound to be at least a bit close and with how the Pole has been playing this fortnight, she might as well pull off another stunner.
Prediction: Linette in 3
Yesh:
Magda Linette has played great, and she’s taken full advantage of every opening her opponents have given her this week. Pliskova has the clear matchup edge, though, and she’s not going to give the Pole enough opportunities to get into this match. The Czech is rolling back the clock with a tremendous week, and I expect that to contine.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Shane:
Karolina Pliskova has looked like her former World No. 1 self in Melbourne. Her aggressiveness is paying off, as she has absolutely dispatched her four opponents thus far. Magda Linette is coming off three consecutive wins over Top 20 players and should feel very confident in her game. That said, I do not believe she has the tools to beat Pliskova in her current form.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Aryna Sabalenka vs Donna Vekic
Jack:
Donna Vekic has won five of her six matches against Aryna Sabalenka. It’s a pretty overwhelming head-to-head but I find it tough to argue she has many match-up advantages over the Belorussian. The confidence this will give Vekic could win her a set but, however tight the match ends up, this feels like Sabalenka’s time. Having sorted out her serving issues from last year, she’s combined this with her insane baseline level to come through the first four rounds of a Major without dropping a set for the first time in her career. 2022 was worthy of a Top 5 finish for Sabalenka–how far does 2023 take her?
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Damian:
With Garcia out of the bottom half, Sabalenka just isn’t going to have a better chance at making a Grand Slam final. She’s never been this incredible over a long patch of play like that. Eight matches won in 2023, 16-0 in sets. Vekic is a great aggressive ball-striker and it’s good to see her competing at this stage again after health issues, but it should really be on Sabalenka’s racket. The Belarusian has been so strong mentally of late that she makes you believe this is her tournament to lose.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Yesh:
I hate predicting Sabalenka’s matches. The Belorussian is a favorite in just about every match when she can find the court, which is happening more and more often recently. Still, she has tendencies to spend long stretches hitting the ball erratically. This match will be entirely on Sabalenka’s racket. Given her results this week, I’ll trust her… but barely.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Shane:
Aryna Sabalenka was my pick to win this event, and she has certainly lived up to the billing. The 24-year-old has yet to drop a set in eight matches this year. Her serving woes seem to be behind her, allowing her to play freely and confidently. Donna Vekic has looked impressive in Melbourne, but I do not believe she will be able to combat the relentless power of Sabalenka.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
