Three of the women’s top 10 seeds will be in action tonight, including defending champion Angelique Kerber. Two Americans are also in action and looking to reach the quarterfinals. Our panel of Steen Kirby, and Yesh Ginsburg is on hand to take you through the matchups.
(1)Angelique Kerber vs. Coco Vandeweghe
Yesh: Coco Vandeweghe might have the talent to upset Kerber on the American’s best day, but Vandeweghe was nowhere near the necessary level against Eugenie Bouchard. Look for the defending champion to find and keep her form this round. Kerber in 2 sets
Steen: Kerber finally won a match in straight sets, and looks to be rounding into form. Vandeweghe has had a fantastic run here, but Kerber has a more well-rounded game and the h2h edge. Kerber 2
Sorana Cirstea vs. (7)Garbine Muguruza
Yesh: This is a good matchup. Muguruza is a Grand Slam champion, and Cirstea probably could have been one too if she had found her mental edge five years ago. Muguruza has looked vulnerable this tournament, so don’t be shocked by an upset here. Cirstea in 3
Steen: Muguruza has a more well-rounded game, but again, credit to Cirstea for making such a great run here. I give her a shot, but Garbine is a proper favorite. Muguruza in 3
(Q)Mona Barthel vs. (13)Venus Williams
Yesh: It’s the fourth round and Venus still hasn’t been challenged by anyone who can threaten to beat her. Barthel is her best opponent so far, but she shouldn’t be able to handle the elder Williams sister either. Venus has been handed a draw that can set up an absolutely storybook ending. Venus in 2
Steen: Venus leads the h2h 2-0, and Barthel has more wear on the tires having come through qualifying. The wily veteran should know what to do to win here. Venus in 2
(24)Ana Pavlyuchenkova vs. (8)Svetlana Kuznetsova
Yesh: I thought that Kuznetsova looked unbeatable, but she really struggled against Jankovic. If her blister isn’t bothering her too much and if she can keep her nerves together this time, she should be able to blast Pavlyuchenkova off the court. Kuznetsova in 2
Steen: Pavs just beat Kuznetsova in Sydney, and although Kuznetsova leads the overall h2h, I like the younger Russian’s form in this one. Pavs should be able to dictate play an edge a win. Pavlyuchenkova in 3
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