The third round of the women’s singles wraps up on Day 7 of the Australian Open. The women battling it out on Saturday are the survivors of an incredible Day 5 at this event. Who do you think will win on Saturday? As always, our writers share their thoughts. We split the day’s matches between this and a separate article. Predicting Saturday’s matches are Jordan Reynolds, Damian Kust, and Glenys Furness.
Australian Open Day 7 Women’s Predictions
Elina Svitolina vs Viktorija Golubic
Jordan:
Golubic got an impressive victory against Katerina Siniakova in three sets. But I do not see a repeat of that against Svitolina. The Ukrainian is playing as well as she ever has, and has added more aggression to her consistency and athleticism. Expect her to have too much overall class for Golubic.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Damian:
Golubic finished 2023 with a couple of big titles at the WTA 125 and ITF levels and the beautiful one-handed backhand has been firing on all cylinders recently. This is where it gets tricky though as Svitolina has improved her game after the comeback with the aggressive edge to it and clearly has more big runs left in her as well.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Glenys:
The Ukranian has dominated her opponents to this stage and the #19 seed has not yet dropped a set. Swiss Golubic on the other hand, has fought hard to get to this stage. Both her previous matches have gone the distance. Interestingly they have met once before, at this exact event. In 2019 Svitolina was #6 seed and totally dominated the match from the outset losing three games.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Sloane Stephens vs Anna Kalinskaya
Jordan:
Stephens had not won a match at the Australian Open since 2019 before this year. But her comeback victory against Daria Kasatkina was highly impressive. Kalinskaya played very well in the first couple of matches, but I like the chances of Stephens. I think she will get a lot of confidence from that win against Kasatkina and win again.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Damian:
You never really know what Stephens will bring to the court on a given day, but her peak in 2017-2018 was obviously quite insane. Kalinskaya has been one of the most in-form players of the past three or four months though with a 15-3 win/loss record, only losing to Daria Kasatkina and Victoria Azarenka this year. The underrated Russian ball-striker to keep that run going.
Prediction: Kalinskaya in 3
Glenys:
The American upset the #14 seed in the last round. Despite losing the first set, Stephens rallied to move into the third round. Kalinskaya had to go the distance in the first round, but eased through the second. They have played each other twice before and have won one each. This will be a good match.
Prediction: Kalinskaya in 3
Qinwen Zheng vs Yafan Wang
Jordan:
Both women knocked out British opponents in round 2 in impressive style. Can Wang counter Zheng’s big serve? It is possible, but I am going with last year’s most improved player on the WTA Tour. But it could be close.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
Damian:
This quarter has opened up so much and the favorite to pick up the pieces is Zheng. This used to be an issue for her in the past, but with how consistent she’s been recently (and how she handled a similar situation getting to the last eight at the US Open) you kind of have to trust that special talent has also arrived at a spot where she can deliver in opportunities like this mentally.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Glenys:
The all Chinese match. Wang defeated Zheng the last time they met. However, that was back in 2018 and Wang was the seed. This time the roles are reversed and Zheng is the seed. Both Chinese players defeated a Brit in the second round, much to my chagrin. It should be a corker this one.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
Victoria Azarenka vs Jelena Ostapenko
Jordan:
Azarenka is a two-time Australian Open champion, and is still playing great tennis. Yet. I feel the outcome of this match is on Ostapenko’s racket. The recent Adelaide champion is implementing her ultra aggressive style very well so far this season, and is so difficult to stop at her best. However, Azarenka is the only player to beat her this year, having done so in Brisbane. But I feel this could Ostapenko’s time for another deep Grand Slam run, and that she will come through this.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Damian:
They played a couple of weeks ago and it was a very fun matchup of two players with excellent return games. Azarenka won that one 7-5 in the 3rd and it should be pretty tight again. Despite claiming that one, the Belarusian had some issues covering the court against Ostapenko’s flat power. We should see another classic, but perhaps the scoreline will be reversed now?
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Glenys:
Interesting match up this one. Ostapenko is the higher ranked seed, but Azarenka dominates the head to head. The most recent meeting was in Brisbane. The quarterfinal saw the Belarussian edge out the Latvian who again was the higher ranked player. Ostapenko cannot seem to work out Azarenka but can take a set.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
