Day 9 of the Australian Open sees the end of the fourth round. We will know all eight quarterfinalists by the end of Monday’s play. But who will the final quartefinalists be? Four women will punch their tickets to the last eight, and our writers are here to share their thoughts on who it will be with you. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Andreas Pelekis, and Nurein Ahmed. Who do you think will advance?
Australian Open Day 9 Women’s Predictions
Xinyu Wang vs Amanda Anisimova
Jordan:
As usual, this match is on Anisimova’s racket. Wang likes to play aggressively, but she does not strike the ball anywhere near as hard as Anisimova. The two-time Grand Slam runner-up was solid in the opening three rounds, and I see no signs of an upset.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Andreas:
It’s been a great run for Wang, but Anisimova’s form, similar to that of Pegula and Keys, has been near top class. The American is yet to drop a set, though Wang is coming off a massive victory against No. 13 seed Linda Noskova. I still think Wang producing back-to-back stunners would be too tall of a task. Anticipating a close two-setter.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Nurein:
I don’t think there was any doubt that Anisimova would reach the second week given the draw she had. Wang brings steady form after her stunning win over Noskova. She’s played within herself and served well under pressure. Wang has also taken advantage of opponents pressing and forcing errors. But that won’t happen against an in-form Anisimova who is absolutely flying right now.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Elena Rybakina vs Elise Mertens
Jordan:
Mertens tends to be predictable at Grand Slams. The Belgian does a great job of navigating the early rounds against lower-ranked players before being beaten by someone with more talent. Her experience and craftiness means she has a chance, but Rybakina’s formidable serve and baseline power will likely prevail.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Andreas:
Mertens generally likes redirecting pace against power-hitting players, but this is a nightmare matchup for the Belgian. Rybakina won the pair’s last five matches, and look for the No. 5 seed to cruise into the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Nurein:
Rybakina is dominating her matches with that humongous serve and arrowing for the corners with her superb backhand. It would take a player with consistent firepower to trouble her and Mertens doesn’t quite generate enough to hit through the Kazakh. I expect Rybakina to keep this on her terms.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Maddison Inglis vs Iga Swiatek
Jordan:
Although Inglis should not be dismissed an opponent, Swiatek must be happy about playing her instead of Naomi Osaka, who withdrew before her scheduled third round match with Inglis. The home favorite deserves credit for winning her opening two matches. However, the level she produced in narrow triumphs against Kimberly Birrell and Laura Siegemund will almost certainly not be good enough against Swiatek. The world No. 2 should progress in two sets.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Andreas:
What an opportunity for Inglis–the Aussie benefited from a Naomi Osaka third round withdrawal, but she strung together some thrilling three-set victories earlier in the tournament. Swiatek, after winning her first Grand Slam in 2020, posts an impressive 47-2 record against players outside the Top 100 (Inglis is ranked No. 168). The Pole should ultimately have enough firepower and experience to win easily.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Nurein:
Maddison Inglis is enjoying a dream run at her home Slam, but every good run must come to an end at some point. Swiatek’s heavy topspin and Grand Slam pedigree overwhelms most of the players outside the very elite bracket.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Jessica Pegula vs Madison Keys
Jordan:
I think Pegula will knock out her good friend and the defending champion. The 2024 US Open runner-up’s serve and return was exceptional in the opening three rounds, which is crucial in the lovely conditions. Those shots will prove even more important against Keys. If Pegula implements those well again, I think the pressure on Keys to compensate from the baseline will prove too much.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Andreas:
This is the match of the day. Both players have looked rock solid in Melbourne, and neither faced a particularly dangerous opponent so far. Keys won their last two matches, both on hard courts; her only loss this season occurred against a dominant Aryna Sabalenka. Pegula will win this match if she can showcase some variety off her groundstrokes and disrupt Keys’ flat ballstriking. Keys will push into the quarterfinals if she can attack Pegula’s slightly weaker serve, and serve well herself. Keys may have the edge.
Prediction: Keys in 3
Nurein:
Pegula used to have a pretty excellent track record of reaching the quarterfinals in Melbourne up until the last two seasons when she lost early. But she’s been rock solid in the first week. No sets dropped and playing with confidence. Keys hasn’t dropped a set either but stuttered a few times. Pegula’s pace control is often underrated and Keys’ high-risk shot-making could be undone here.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
