Expect plenty of exciting tennis on day nine at the Australian Open, with four intirguing fourth-round matches on the slate at Melbourne Park. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule, including the four round-of-16 clashes in the men’s singles. But who will advance to the quarterfinals?
Australian Open Day 9 Predictions
Linda Noskova vs Elina Svitolina
Jordan: This is an utterly fascinating matchup. Elina Svitolina is playing the best tennis of her life. She has added aggression to the grit she possessed, and I consider her a real contender for the title. But if Linda Noskova serves as she did against Iga Swiatek, another memorable victory is possible. My instinct is telling me that it will be hard for Noskova to produce that level again, and that Svitolina’s level is not going to drop.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Jim: Svitolina has been playing some really good tennis of late. Noskova will be a threat without doubt – she was quite superb against Swiatek – but it will surely be a challenge to find that level of tennis again. This may go the distance, but Svitolina should have enough to see off the Czech’s challenge.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Damian: Noskova beat Swiatek in what was definitely a solid display of her skills, but the world #1 was sort of asking for it since the opening round as well. This is a completely different matchup and perhaps one that’s a little tougher for the young Czech. But make no mistake, her best is ready for the top echelon of the sport. If we’re talking about the favorite though, the edge has to go to the new and improved Svitolina.
Svitolina in 3
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Victoria Azarenka vs Dayana Yastremska
Jordan: Dayana Yastremska should not be ruled out here here. Her performances as a qualifier have been exceptional, and if she keeps hitting the ball as cleanly as she has, another win is possible. But I am backing the two-time Australian Open champion. The way Victoria Azarenka disarmed the dangerous Lesia Tsurenko was very impressive, and she loves the conditions in Melbourne.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Jim: Dayana Yastremska has given a timely reminder of her talent at this year’s Australian Open and may well have extra motivation to deliver up against a Belarusian opponent. But Azarenka has twice won this tournament (albeit over a decade ago now) and her consistent ball-striking should see her past Yastremska.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Damian: Yastremska needed three sets in all her qualifying matches, but once she gets her rhythm going she can be an absolutely massive threat. Azarenka defeated Jelena Ostapenko again by dominating the serve/return game with her ace potential seemingly improving a lot compared to her prime. Her defensive footwork isn’t as good anymore though and the Ukrainian will be trying to take advantage of that. It’s not obvious, but Azarenka is more reliable.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
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Jasmine Paolini vs Anna Kalinskaya
Jordan: Anna Kalinskaya’s third round round victory against Sloane Stephens was a great match and a terrific win. In the big moments, she was brave and hit hard and aggressively. Stephens is good preparation for Jasmine Paolini, whose style is somewhat similar. The Italian is also a great mover and possesses an excellent forehand, but right now, she is playing even better than Stephens. I think the rising star Paolini will be too tough and put an end to Kalinskaya’s run.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Jim: Paolini has made some really impressive strides over the last 18 months or so. A first Grand Slam quarterfinal would be a fitting reward, but beating Kalinskaya, who conquered Stephens in the third round won’t be entirely straightforward. Still, this is probably Paolini’s to lose.
Prediction: Paolini in 3
Damian: Kalinskaya’s showing against Sloane Stephens was unbelievable, after dropping the opening set she started hitting even harder and making virtually no errors. That’s how well she’s been playing the past few months, going 16-3 in her last 19 matches. Paolini deserves a lot of credit for her recent work too. She earned herself a great career-high ranking, but the upside of the Russian is much higher in an individual match.
Prediction: Kalinskaya in 2
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Zheng Qinwen vs Oceane Dodin
Jordan: There will be a lot of power on show in this one. Zheng Qinwen is one of the best servers in women’s tennis, while Oceane Dodin has an ultra-aggressive style from the baseline. It has been an incredible tournament for Dodin, and I think it is going to get even better for the Frenchwoman. Zheng barely came through her last match, and Dodin is playing with absolutely no fear. Dodin to knock out the 12th seed.
Prediction: Dodin in 3
Jim: What an opportunity for both to reach the last eight. Dodin is a good enough player to win this match, but at this stage you have to wonder if the freedom she has been playing with might start to be undermined by the stakes. Expect the more experienced Zheng to have the edge.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
Damian: Dodin returned to the top 100 at the end of last year and she gets her best-ever Slam run almost right away. The Frenchwoman’s power-hitting style often leaves the opponent as basically an extra, watching her hit winners or unforced errors. Zheng has struggled when the first strike is taken away from her in the past, but it seems like she’s getting a bit closer to being a consistent force at the top. Dodin will need another peak showing to win here.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
Main photo credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
