We’re up to the quarterfinal round of a wild Australian Open, and we will be treated to two electric women’s singles matches on Tuesday. As always, our writers here at LastWordOnTennis will share their thoughts on both matches. Predicting these matches are Damian Kust, Jordan Reynolds, Jack Edward, Jason Fernandes, and Yesh Ginsburg. Who do you think will advance to the semifinals?
Australian Open Women’s Quarterfinal Predictions
Aryna Sabalenka vs Barbora Krejcikova
Damian:
This was an infamous matchup last year. Krejcikova pulled off a stunning comeback against Sabalenka in Dubai and pointed out that she wants to be included in the same league with her, Świątek, and Rybakina. Then she lost to the same opponent three times in quick succession. Krejcikova did well to go all out and attack Andreeva in the fourth round, but this is a step up and she’ll need an off-day from Sabalenka to prevail. That rarely happens on these courts (or in general of late).
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Jordan:
Sabalenka has been flawless in the first four rounds. Krejcikova has of course won the same number of Grand Slams as Sabalenka, yet there is a sense that she does not have much to lose here. The Czech does possess a very complete game, and it could cause the defending champion more problems than her previous opponents. Sabalenka to claim victory, but I will back Krejcikova to claim a set.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Jack:
Krejcikova impressed in her win over Andreeva but there was a sense the 16-year-old wasn’t quite ready to make the next step. The Czech is still a touch off her very best. Though Krejcikova beat the World #2 last year in Dubai, Sabalenka hasn’t had any problems in the head-to-head since, winning their last three meetings. We’ve no reason to doubt the defending champ in a comfortable match-up against a player that’s not firing on all cylinders.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Jason:
To say Sabalenka has been impressive so far this event would be an understatement. The World #2 has been in a complete league of her own, just dropping 11 games en route to the quarterfinals. Not only is she absolutely destroying her opponents with her fierce power off both wings, her serve has been world class just facing four break points. It’s been anything but easy for the Czech to make the quarters however, with the former Roland Garros champion requiring a final set in three of her first four matches. If the world #11 doesn’t up her game, it’s going to be a matter of how many games she wins against Sabalenka rather than how many sets, it’s hard to see this one being close.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Yesh:
Krejcikova has beaten Sabalenka even at the peak of the Belorussian’s powers, but Sabalenka is just too strong. The brutal offense should overpower the Czech as long as Sabalenka is consistent. That hasn’t been a problem for her in a while now.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Coco Gauff vs Marta Kostyuk
Damian:
Gauff’s draw fell apart a little and this is her biggest challenge so far. Kostyuk has been on the verge of a breakthrough for years now and it’s great for her to make this first Major quarterfinal. The main issue with the American is that you have to come close to your peak level to overcome her very high base quality and excellent defending. Will Kostyuk be able to deliver in the biggest match of her career? It seems a bit doubtful.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Jordan:
Both women dropped just three games in their respective fourth round matches. Kostyuk has shown the increased aggressiveness she has added to her game to reach a maiden Grand Slam quarterfinal. However, I do not foresee Gauff having too many problems. Kostyuk’s greater attacking play is still not near a level that can hit Gauff off the court, and the US Open is a better ball striker and mover. Gauff in straight sets.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Jack:
Marta Kostyuk is into her first Grand Slam quarterfinal in fine fashion. She’s playing well and her style of play suggests she won’t fear the occasion. Gauff is just so reliable nowadays, however, and won’t give the Ukranian an inch. I don’t think it’s the kindest match-up for Kostyuk and I’m expecting Gauff’s level to be very high.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Jason:
Kostyuk has stolen some headlines this week but even despite making the last eight here, most of them have been due to her somewhat controversial interviews. But either way, for the first time in her young career, the 21-year-old has made it this far in a Grand Slam. Unfortunately for the Ukranian however, this is where the journey ends. In seven of the eight sets the American has played so far this event, all have been uncompetitive, it’s safe to say Gauff is building off her maiden Grand Slam victory in New York last year so far. Somehow still only 19, she’s simply better in every way to Kostyuk. Just like the other quarter-final in this half, it’s hard to see it being competitive.
Predictiion: Gauff in 2
Yesh:
I’m slowly coming around, but I’m still very skeptical of Gauff. She beats almost every non-elite player, especially in the biggest tournaments, but she often can’t handle the elites. Then again, Kostyuk isn’t elite either, so I think Gauff should advance.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
