The stage is set for an entertaining day of quarterfinal action at the Australian Open with four intriguing matches on the slate at Melbourne Park. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match – including all the action in the women’s singles draw – but who will secure their spot in the last four?
Australian Open Quarterfinal Predictions
Ben Shelton vs Lorenzo Sonego
Jim: Lorenzo Sonego has this sort of fortnight in him and when he is in form he can be a hard opponent to put away. Equally, however, he has a relatively kind draw so far in Melbourne and is yet to come up against an opponent of Ben Shelton’s quality. There are still plenty of areas for improvement in Shelton’s game, but his thunderous serve and forehand make him a real threat (particularly over five sets) and he should have too much for Sonego.
Prediction: Shelton in 4
Ateet: Shelton has shown a lot of maturity at this year’s Australian Open and his serve and forehand were too good for Gael Monfils, who had to retire in the fourth set. Sonego is into his first ever Grand Slam quarterfinal and is in great rhythm on his serve. I expect a very close match and the player who keeps his composure and level will win. I am going with Shelton.
Prediction: Shelton in 5
Jordan: Sonego has been rock solid so far, but this might be a bad matchup for him. He thrives most when he gets into the rallies, something Shelton’s powerful serve might not allow. I have a feeling the American will win this in three sets without being broken.
Prediction: Shelton in 3
Andreas: This is a big opportunity for either player. Sonego will be playing in his first ever Grand Slam quarterfinal, whilst Shelton can make a second Grand Slam semifinal by winning this. The American plays flashier tennis than Sonego — and in truth, on a good day, he does everything a bit better than the Italian.
But he can be vulnerable to errors on a poor day, and Sonego is ruthless with his groundstrokes when playing well. Notably, Shelton hit 51 winners in his fourth round match, while Sonego hit 58 winners at the same stage. The American should be the favorite, but it’ll be a great match.
Prediction: Shelton in 4
Yesh: Shelton is looking for his second Major semifinal, and he’s been gifted an amazing draw to do it with. Sonego looks solid but not amazing this tournament, and I’m not sure he’ll have any answers to Shelton’s serve and forehand combo. As long as the American doesn’t get tight (it’s happened in high-pressure situations before), he should have the advantages.
Prediction: Shelton in 4
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Jannik Sinner vs Alex de Minaur
Jim: Alex de Minaur has had another very good tournament. It will end here as so many of his good tournaments have. Whilst there is much to admire about the Australian, he simply does not pack enough of a punch to beat players like Jannik Sinner. The world #1, by way of contrast, has plenty of weapons and that makes this a fundamentally unequal contest.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Ateet: Sinner was physically compromised during his fourth round match against Holger Rune but showed incredible mental strength and fight to win in four sets. He has a dominant record against the Australian and if he is physically fine, he will win this match. De Minaur is a brilliant player but doesn’t match-up well against Sinner.
Prediction: Sinner in 4
Jordan: De Minaur has a terrible record against Sinner. However, the Italian’s unexpected physical issues against Holger Rune might give him some hope. But there is no guarantee that will happen to Sinner again and most of the evidence points to him winning again.
Prediction: Sinner in 4
Andreas: The world #1 might not be as much of a formidable Australian Open as fans thought. He struggled with the heat and illness in his last round, and missed more shots than normal. De Minaur, meanwhile, will have the benefit of playing in front of his home fans, coming off a confidence inducing win over the red-hot Alex Michelsen.
The Italian will have to control the centre of the court and serve big to avoid long rallies that de Minaur will prolong. It’s unlikely that the Aussie will pull off the upset, but Sinner will have to play well to reach the semifinals.
Prediction: Sinner in 4
Yesh: Sinner scared us all in the second set against Holger Rune when he appeared to be physically struggling. That struggle went away in the last two sets, so let’s hope he’s okay from here. If he is, de Minaur is in big trouble. The Aussie is playing so well, but he just can’t handle Sinner from the back of the court. No one can.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Main photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
