With a host of star names set to take to the court and four intriguing matches on the slate, expect plenty of entertaining tennis on day eight at the Australian Open. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for all four men’s and women’s singles matches, including Aryna Sabalenka vs Amanda Anisimova. But who will advance?
Australian Open Day 8 Predictions
Novak Djokovic vs Adrian Mannarino
Jack: The master of disruption, Adrian Mannarino is playing about as well as he could be playing. It’s a different style so he actually has a better chance than most against Novak Djokovic. The 10-time champ found his highest gear against Etcheverry, however, putting behind the woes of his first two rounds. He won’t underrate the threat the Frenchman poses and he’ll adjust his game accordingly.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Jordan: Many wanted a Djokovic vs Shelton rematch, but Mannarino deserves huge respect for his run. He has won three consecutive matches in a fifth set, which is incredible for a 35-year-old. He is playing the best tennis of his life, but is still unlikely to threaten Djokovic. The defending champion improved a lot in his last match, and Mannarino’s lack of firepower will make it hard to compete.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Damian: Mannarino never really had a good matchup with Djokovic and that is unlikely to change now. The Frenchman has already spent almost twelve hours on the singles court and will likely be running on fumes here. The world #1 also had his best performance of the week in round three and his cold symptoms seem to be going away by now.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
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Taylor Fritz vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
Jack: Both Taylor Fritz and Stefanos Tsitsipas have played better than most were expecting so far at the Australian Open. If there’s one place the Greek ups his game away from the clay, it’s Melbourne, and it’s proving a happy hunting ground once more with three very professional wins in a row. Fritz’ serve and forehand centric game is slightly inferior to Tsitsipas’—I’m expecting another polished performance.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 5
Jordan: Both players impressed against talented young players in the last round. Tsitsipas against Luca Van Assche, Fritz against Fabian Marozsan. This could come down to fine margins, but I am backing Tsitsipas. The bigger courts are playing somewhat slowly, and it is also not forecast to be very hot in Melbourne in the coming days, which will make it even slower. That gives the edge to Tsitsipas, who can better defend his one-handed backhand in those conditions.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 4
Damian: The seeds in this section seemed pretty fragile, but they’re both here now. Tsitsipas is experimenting with his serving stance because of the back injury and yet it doesn’t seem like it’s hampering his game in any obvious manner. Fritz also had some issues at the beginning of the week and managed to get himself going. Hard to pick a favorite.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 5
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Jannik Sinner vs Karen Khachanov
Jack: Karen Khachanov has done seriously well to outlast his opponents once more at a major. His physicality is more than enough to consistently get him deep runs but his redline isn’t particularly high. Whilst he’s got a high enough level to take advantage of any dips, the level required to hang with Jannik Sinner for an entire match at the moment is a joke.
Prediction: Sinner in 4
Jordan: Khachanov is the former semifinalist in Melbourne, but I still see Sinner progressing comfortably. Tomás Machac put Khachanov under relentless pressure in the last round. Khachanov served his way out of trouble impressively in the big moments, but he will not get away with giving up so many chances against the Italian. Sinner to come through with another clinical display.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Damian: Sinner has been progressing through the draw with ease so far and while his path also hasn’t been that tough, this is exactly the quality we were hoping to get from the young Italian. He’ll be very disappointed to lose to someone outside of Novak Djokovic or Carlos Alcaraz this fortnight. Khachanov makes a lot of deep Slam runs, but beating top players is a different story.
Prediction: Sinner in 4
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Alex de Minaur vs Andrey Rublev
Jack: This one will be close. Alex de Minaur is at the peak of his powers and will play to the best of his ability on home turf at the Australian Open. The only problem is de Minaur at his best will be left a little exposed against Andrey Rublev. The Russian has no problems timing haymaker after haymaker—in high pressure situations, I actually think it’s Rublev that’s the more likely of the two to win through sheer power disparity.
Prediction: Rublev in 5
Jordan: De Minaur has impressed, and some think he could be a dark horse for a deep run at his home Grand Slam. But I am backing Rublev to reach a 10th Grand Slam quarterfinal. Although de Minaur is an outstanding athlete, I think the slower conditions actually help his opponent. It will allow Rublev time to place his powerful groundstrokes, while de Minaur would prefer to have more natural pace to redirect back at Rublev.
Prediction: Rublev in 4
Damian: Rublev is still unbeaten this year and that’s despite never really getting out of second gear. But that’s kind of what he is all about with an extremely competitive base level and it requires a stellar performance to beat him. Can de Minaur deliver it right now? With the confidence gathered from the United Cup I’d say he just might, although there’s an argument to be made that his playstyle will grant Rublev a bit too much rhythm.
Prediction: de Minaur in 5
Main photo credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
