It should be an entertaining ninth day at the Australian Open, with four round of 16 clashes on the slate in Melbourne. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including the four fourth-round matches in the women’s singles. But who will come out on top?
Australian Open Day 9 Predictions
Arthur Cazaux vs Hubert Hurkacz
Jordan: It has been a tournament full of surprises, but Arthur Cazaux’s journey to the fourth round as a wildcard could be the biggest of them all. He outplayed Holger Rune in the second round and then absolutely demolished Tallon Griekspoor in the third round. This will come down to fine margins. Cazaux has a great serve, while Hubert Hurkacz probably possesses the best serve in tennis right now. But something is telling me that the Frenchman will somehow find a way to continue his dream run.
Prediction: Cazaux in 5
Tope: Even though he had a decent 2023, this will undoubtedly be Cazaux’s breakthrough season. Reaching the fourth round on his debut Down Under is a remarkable feat and there is only one way from here. The young Frenchman can match Hubert Hurkacz’s serve and he’s unleashed more aces than his opponents here in Australia. I’m going to follow my heart and back him to continue his unbeaten run this season.
Prediction: Cazaux in 5
Damian: What a run for Cazaux who is 8-0 for the year, securing his top 100 debut and scoring the three biggest wins of his career ranking-wise. There’s no reason why he wouldn’t be able to keep up with Hurkacz either, his first serve is amazing for his height and he can close down the net to finish off the points with the Pole defending. Slight nod to the more experienced player, but remember peaking at Slams isn’t necessarily what he’s known for.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 5
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Nuno Borges vs Daniil Medvedev
Jordan: Nuno Borges’ run is another incredible story at the Australian Open this year. He held his nerve better in the big moments to upset Grigor Dimitrov in the third round. However, I think his run ends here. Daniil Medvedev was very impressive against Felix Auger-Aliassime, and he is likely to stifle the Portuguese throughout.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Tope: Borges has been one of the revelations here in Melbourne but this is as far as he will go at the Australian Open. Medvedev has played in the final here twice in the last third years and he’s playing like he will be third-time lucky. Expect the Russian to earn another quarterfinal berth.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Damian: Borges played an absurd match to defeat Grigor Dimitrov, completely powering his way through the Bulgarian’s slice and not allowing him to slow down the pace of play whatsoever. The nerves in the fourth set tie-break almost made it go five though. Repeating that quality won’t be easy and Medvedev also isn’t an opponent who will be overwhelmed by the heavy ball-striking of the Portugues like Dimitrov was.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
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Alexander Zverev vs Cameron Norrie
Jordan: Cameron Norrie produced his best performance in a long time to defeat Casper Ruud in the last round. Unfortunately for the Briton, he has lost all four previous meetings with Alexander Zverev in straight sets. The way the German’s backhand climbs all over Norrie’s heavy topspin forehand is a key element of this matchup in Zverev’s favour, and I think the 2020 US Open runner-up will build on his straight sets win in the previous round.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Tope: Even though Zverev has never conceded a set to Norrie in four matches, this will be a feisty encounter. Both players will come into this match with confidence after decisive wins in the third round. Norrie was excellent against Casper Ruud, but he’ll still have to up his game to challenge the German who seems to be improving with every match. Zverev has the weapons to trouble his opponent and while he may concede a set, back him to continue his quest for the title.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Damian: That was a smart match that Norrie played against Casper Ruud, more aggressive than usual and constantly wrapping points up in the forecourt. He overcame one tricky matchup and will need to do it again with the head-to-head standing at 4-2 but the last win for the Brit coming when Zverev was 16. Now it seems like the in-form player should like and Norrie’s leftiness isn’t a big deal when you have a world-class backhand.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
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Miomir Kecmanovic vs Carlos Alcaraz
Jordan: Miomir Kecmanovic will probably feel he can overcome any odds right now. He saved two match points in the second round, and then did the same against Tommy Paul in the round of 32. Yet, it will need a Herculean effort against the world #2. I do not see enough in the Kecmanovic game to really hurt Carlos Alcaraz, and the Serbian’s strong run will end at the hands of the two-time Grand Slam champion.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Tope: A repeat of the blockbuster of the ATP Miami quarterfinals in 2022 is in the offing with another quarterfinal place on the line. I expect the early exchanges to be as entertaining as two years ago before the well-rested Spaniard takes control of the match against a potentially fatigued Serbian.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Damian: Their only previous meeting was one of the matches of the year in 2022 with Kecmanovic having the strongest patch of his career back then. Now he’s also performing above his usual standard and while Alcaraz will be happy to avoid Tommy Paul here, some of the Spaniard’s issues in that matchup can be similar in this dynamic as well. However, Kecmanovic is much more limited offensively and ultimately should prove to be an easier opponent than Paul.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Main photo credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
