We’re up to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. Our panelists are here to predict all four of the women’s matches. Today’s panelists are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), along with writers Jeff Crady and John Lupo.
Panelists Predictions Australian Open Women’s Quarterfinals
Garbine Muguruza vs Coco Vandeweghe
Yesh:
Muguruza has looked strong this tournament, but she hasn’t been dominant. Vandeweghe looked pretty bad against Eugenie Bouchard in the third round, but she was absolutely dominant against World #1 Angelique Kerber in the fourth. This match will come down to how the American plays. If she brings her form from last round, she wins. If she doesn’t, she won’t.
Prediction: Vandeweghe in 3
John:
The manner in which Vandeweghe knocked off defending champion Angelique Kerber suggests she’s ready to go deep into the second week. Muguruza is starting to resemble the player that won last year’s French Open. They’ll be a ton of big hitting and serving in this match, but expect Coco to move on.
Prediction: Vandeweghe in 3
Jeff:
Vandaweghe has brushed off the memories of the losing streak that closed 2016, and seems to be improving every match. Muguruza also has seemed to find her form again and has seemed to enjoy the faster courts in Melbourne this year. In a match-up of power, serving, and intensity, Muguruza holds her nerve better and finds a way to win in two tight sets.
Prediction: Muguruza in 2
Venus Williams vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Yesh:
The elder Williams sister was gifted a wonderful draw and took full advantage. It’s hard to know exactly how well she is playing because she hasn’t yet been challenged. Pavlyuchenkova has looked incredible this tournament, and is looking to back up last year’s US Open and go one step further.
Prediction: Pavlyuchenkova in 2
John:
The most even of the quarterfinals, both players will fancy their chances to reach the last four. Pavlyuchenkova was very impressive in defeating compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova in the last round while Venus has yet to be tested. In what is truly the flip of a coin, I make this prediction with the biggest grain of salt and hesitation ever. Prediction: Venus in 3
Jeff:
Williams has been a major feel good story of this year’s open thus far, and in her last two matches, she has looked healthy, energetic, and sharp. Cracking winners off both sides, and serving well. Pavlyuchenkova has looked extra fit as well, and showed great determination behind her big game to beat Kutznetsova in the round of 16. IF Williams feels well, she will win. With auto-immune issues however, that is a huge IF, but with two relatively straight forward wins in the previous two rounds, her body will hold up well enough.
Prediction: Venus in 3
Mirjana Lucic-Baroni vs Karolina Pliskova
Yesh:
This has been the tournament of Mirjana Lucic-Baroni’s life–one she’s been waiting forever for–but Pliskova has been incredible this tournament (aside from a hiccup against Ostapenko that I don’t think is indicative of how she’ll play). I can’t see anything but an easy win for the Czech.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
John:
The Croat is the feel good story of the tournament, having not won a match here since 1998. She has the power to match Pliskova off the ground and with her serve, but does she have the consistency? We’ll see. Pliskova is lucky to still be in the tournament and a similar performance here could see her shown the door.
Prediction: Lucic-Baroni in 3
Jeff:
Lucic-Baroni has found the spark that carried her to her 2014 resurgence. Her flat powerful backhand has been ultra effective this tournament. Pliskova has looked so confident and in form. Her post match interviews have been intense and reveal a deep belief that she will be a slam champion. Pliskova moves better and powers her way to a straight sets win.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Johanna Konta vs Serena Williams
Yesh:
Johanna Konta looks to be in absolutely imperious form. It’s one thing looking great against every other player, though, as beating Serena Williams is the toughest task in tennis. Can the Brit do it? Serena has looked strong, but she’s not at her absolutely unbeatable best this tournament. Give me the upset in an epic.
Prediction: Konta in 3
John:
The Brit is on a roll, having won nine matches in a row dating back to her win in Sydney. She has the one weapon you need to defeat Serena: a serve. In what should be the match of the tournament, expect the 9th seed to come good and repeat her semifinal showing from a year ago.
Prediction: Konta in 3
Jeff:
In a marquee quarterfinal match-up, the red hot Konta will try to force Serena into unforced errors. How she will do that, who knows? Both play a game of power. Both move well. It is hard to see what Williams doesn’t do better than Konta; however there seems to be real belief from Konta that she can win. And she will be close, but Serena will come through in the end.
Prediction: Serena in 3
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