The second week gets underway at Melbourne Park on day eight with plenty of promise. There are four fourth-round matches on the slate at the Australian Open and, as always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match, as well as all the action in the women’s singles. But who will book their spot in the quarterfinals?
Australian Open Day 8 Predictions
Carlos Alcaraz vs Tommy Paul
Nurein: Carlos Alcaraz was on a tear in the first week, blasting through the draw without dropping a set. But in the last 16, the level of competition hots up. Tommy Paul has caused him trouble before, but Alcaraz is still the sharper mover and cleaner ball striker between them and as long as the Spaniard plays at the same intensity, he should progress.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Jordan: Paul has caused Alcaraz problems before with his flat shots and consistent style. However, the Spaniard is in a career-best state to handle that challenge. He makes fewer bad shot selections than previously against solid opponents, which makes Paul’s task very challenging.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Cizu: Paul has had an easy run so far, but you would expect that to change now. Alcaraz has not yet reached his brilliant best, and as we’ve come to expect from Tommy Paul, he would be looking to make a real match of this. That said, Alcaraz can elevate his game at the flick of a switch and should have too much for the American to handle.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Alexander Bublik vs Alex de Minaur
Nurein: Alexander Bublik is complementing his freewheeling aggression with consistent shot tolerance and he’s been winning a lot of matches since the start of last season. If there were any doubts that he wouldn’t sustain this level of tennis, then he’s laid them to rest. That said, Alex de Minaur has hit top gear and his elite counterpunching ability might just be enough to crack Bublik’s confidence.
Prediction: de Minaur in 5
Jordan: This is a fascinating matchup. Bublik’s massive serve and risky groundstrokes contrast with de Minaur’s outstanding movement and defensive skills. Bublik’s terrific level in the last 12 months means he has a chance, but I narrowly favor the home favorite to triumph over five sets. This could easily go either way though.
Prediction: de Minaur in 5
Cizu: Bublik has been in scintillating form and appears to have embraced life as a top-10 player. He also possesses a game style that could be a nightmare for de Minaur. The Australian will be as solid as ever, aiming for a deep run, buoyed by a rapturous home crowd who identify him as their best hope. This match will come down to who plays the big moments best. I’m backing the mercurial Bublik to hold his nerve better.
Prediction: Bublik in 5
Alexander Zverev vs Francisco Cerundolo
Nurein: Francisco Cerundolo has been an absolute force in Melbourne and is coming off one of his most accomplished performances in a Grand Slam (defeating Andrey Rublev in straight sets). Alexander Zverev will take charge of his serve when he is able to land it in his favorite spots, but Cerundolo won’t gift him the luxury to camp from the baseline. Any hiccups on serve and Zverev could find himself in a marathon match.
Prediction: Zverev in 5
Jordan: Andrey Rublev was surprisingly poor against Cerundolo, but the Argentinian did a good job of taking advantage. Zverev is unlikely to make so many unforced errors and has the additional advantage of a better serve. Cerundolo will have his moments, but I think Zverev can manage this test.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Cizu: Cerundolo just had a morale-boosting straight-sets win against Rublev. He should be coming into this one high on confidence. Zverev will have to be completely switched on for this one. He’s already dropped a set against his 3 previous opponents, and Cerundolo can certainly take advantage of any lapses. Zverev, though, generally wins these sorts of matches.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Daniil Medvedev vs Learner Tien
Nurein: While this rivalry is only just in its early phase, Learner Tien has already been a thorn in Daniil Medvedev’s side, stemming from last year’s incredible five-set win in this very tournament. The American has the blueprint to replicate that performance and result, but Medvedev remains one of the ultimate problem solvers.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
Jordan: Tien’s five set victory over Medvedev was one of last year’s best matches in Melbourne. Although Tien is an excellent young player who does not get intimidated by big occasions, he will likely face a different Medvedev this time. The three-time Australian Open runner-up needed five sets to beat Fabian Marozsan, but his overall level has been much better since changing his coaching team a few months ago. I think he will be ready to handle Tien.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Cizu: Probably the one player Medvedev will have been looking to avoid. He would still have memories of being knocked out in the second round last year by Tien. Something about the Russian brings out the very best in the young American. Their matches last year were all classics in their own right. Tien will come into this one with real confidence. Medvedev, though, seems to be getting back to his best, and at his best, he remains one of the best at finding answers.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
Main photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
