The second week of the first Grand Slam of the year has arrived. 16 players remain in the Australian Open draw. This means a lot of things, but for our readers it means that we will be predicting every single match from here until the end of the tournament. Who will advance an Sunday and reach the quarterfinals? We’re here to tell you. Predicting today are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), Tracey Essex, David Adair, and Vithun Illankovan.
Australian Open Day 7 Women’s Predictions
Petra Kvitova vs Amanda Anisimova
Tracey:
Each player has come through their previous matches in straight sets. So, they’re in top form and up for this match’s challenge. Kvitova is one of the tournament’s hottest players. But, watching Anisimova dismantle the #11 seed Sabalenka, it’s certain she has the form and the desire to move on to the second week. This will be a nail biter as neither woman will easily yield, but I think Anisimova is on top of the world and not cowed by the big stage.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Vithun:
Kvitova has been very under the radar and is playing well. Anisimova has also been playing well but will likely be drained from her huge upset over Aryna Sabalenka, my predicted champion. Therefore, I expect Kvitova to continue her form from Sydney with a straightforward win.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
David:
The key question here is which Amanda Anisimova will turn up. If it’s the one that beat down Aryna Sabalenka with supreme poise and decision-making, then we are in for an amazing match. If it is the one that contrived to impetuously and naively throw away a victory in Auckland against Kuzmova in Auckland, then Kvitova will gain a two-set victory without breaking sweat. This would avenge the straight sets defeat Anisimova inflicted on her in Indian Wells 2018. Petra Kvitova is coming into form at just the right time.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Yesh:
It’s hard to pick against Anisimova after what we’ve seen this week. Sure, her level could drop at any time. She is only 17, and she’s ranked outside the Top 80 for a reason. But man, after watching her this week, it’s impossible to pick against her. When she’s on top of her game, she can outhit anyone–even huge hitters like Kvitova.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Sloane Stephens vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Tracey:
Pavlyuchenkova doesn’t have anything special that’s going to cause Stephens to be concerned in this matchup; and, Stevens will have her playing defense most of the match. Their past meetings haven’t favored Pavlyuchenkova and I doubt this match will.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Vithun:
Nobody has been talking about Stephens but she really could be one to watch in this tournament. Pavlyuchenkova has done very well to get to this stage but I think her time is up at this tournament.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
David:
Sloane Stephens is progressing well under the radar. It should be straightforward for her against the Russian, who doesn’t have the best of records in Melbourne.
Prediction : Stephens in 2
Yesh:
Pavlyuchenkova was impressive in her beatdown of Aliaksandra Sasnovich, but beating Sloane Stephens when the American is playing well is a very tall order. Stephens is the better player and this matchup works well for her. As long as Stephens stays locked in, this match won’t be close.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Danielle Collins vs Angilique Kerber
Tracey:
A classic case of experience versus ambition. Kerber has been here before. She’s made it through her past rounds in straight sets and is finding the form that propelled her to become the 2016 Australian Open champion. This is the furthest Collins has ever made it at a Slam and she may succumb to the pressure. If she can keep her nerves at bay, Collins will make it a match. But, I don’t think she has the wherewithal to overcome the former Slam champion.
Prediction: Kerber in 3
Vithun:
I am shocked that Collins has managed to get to the 4th Round by beating two seeded players, Julia Goerges and Caroline Garcia. However neither of those players are that strong mentally. Kerber has been winning very comfortably with her incredibly easy draw and this will continue against Collins.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
David:
Kerber has had a smooth run so far, but the way Collins boldly took it to Garcia last round suggests she is in for a fight. Collins seems to be raising her level with each match. A high first serve percentage is needed against the strong return of Kerber. Collins is capable and an upset is on the cards.
Prediction : Collins in 3
Yesh:
Kerber showed no mercy in dispatching Kimberly Birrell in the last round. Collins has some huge talent–she showed it both in Miami last year and at this tournament. We haven’t seen enough of her to know just what her top talent level is. Maybe some day she’ll compete on a level like Kerber’s, but right now the German is better.
Prediction: Kerber in 3
Ashleigh Barty vs Maria Sharapova
Tracey:
Ashleigh Barty is in great form and will have the support of the hometown crowd. But, will it be enough? Sharapova has been playing exceptional tennis and finding ways to win despite a flawed serve. If heart were enough, Barty would be the clear winner. But at Melbourne Park, it takes much more than heart to win a match and Sharapova’s experience will see her through.
Prediction: Sharapova in 3
Vithun:
Barty has been dealing with the pressure of playing in her home Slam very well and is now my pick to be the eventual champion. Sharapova has been playing great and did very well to beat defending champion Caroline Wozniacki but the 4th Round is her bogey stage. Therefore, I expect Barty to sneak through in a tight encounter.
Prediction: Barty in 3
David:
Sharapova’s 3rd round victory over Wozniacki was a shot in the arm for “Fortune favors the bold” believers. She went for it on second serve, pushing Wozniacki behind the baseline and taking momentum. The isdue is that Barty will send the ball back with more power and could drain the energy out of the Russian with long rallies. In the US Open, Sharapova looked a world-beater against Jelena Ostapenko in the 3rd round. Then, as soon as the 2nd week kicked in, she laboredly fell to Carla Suarez-Navarro. Maria Sharapova hasn’t won a match in the second week of a Slam since Australian Open 2016, where she beat Belinda Bencic in the 4th round. With the home crowd behind her, Barty will sense that this is her chance.
Prediction: Barty in 3
Yesh:
This is the best tennis we’ve seen from Sharapova in years, and it’s the best tennis we’ve seen from Barty, ever. This is going to be one heck of a match. Seeing Sharapova overcome Wozniacki when the Dane showed just the tiniest weakness, though, tells me she’s dialed in and ready to go deep.
Prediction: Sharapova in 3
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