Day 10 at the Australian Open sees the quarterfinal rounds wrap up on Wednesday. Semifinal hopefuls will compete in two men’s and two women’s quarterfinal matches, and we’re predicting all four of the matches for you. Both women’s matches are in this article, while the men’s quarterfinal matches are in a second article. Predicting these matches are Jim Smith, Pablo Mosquera, Ewan West, Fraser Learmonth, and myself (Yesh Ginsburg).
Australian Open Day 10 Women’s Quarterfinal Predictions
Jessica Pegula vs Jennifer Brady
Jim:
It almost goes without saying that this is a huge opportunity for both. But whilst Jessica Pegula deserves great credit for her performances so far at the Australian Open, not least her nerveless display in the decider in her fourth-round clash with Elina Svitolina, it is Brady who comes into this match the better placed. Crucially, she has experience of winning a Grand Slam quarterfinal. In a close contest, that may well give her a decisive advantage.
Prediction: Brady in 3
Pablo:
At some point during last year’s bizarre US Open Series, Brady strung together 10 wins in 11 matches, with her lone defeat coming at the hands of the aggressive Pegula. While the latter is in the midst of her breakout Major, I don’t expect her to beat Brady, especially if this match is scheduled during the day. The former UCLA product has been playing formidable tennis Down Under, spearheaded by a heavy forehand that is wreaking havoc. I’m sure the Bills fans will disagree, but Pegula’s run will end in the quarters.
Prediction: Brady in 2
Ewan:
Pegula won the pair’s only previous meeting: a tight two-setter in the opening round of the Western & Southern Open last year. Brady is yet to lose a set in the tournament, dropping just 17 games and losing serve only once in her four matches. World #61 Pegula has defeated four opponents of high pedigree–Viktoria Azarenka, Sam Stosur, Kristina Mladenovic, and Elina Svitolina–for the loss of a single set. In this battle of aggressive power hitters, World #24 Brady should have the edge against her close friend and compatriot.
Prediction: Brady in 3
Yesh:
Pegula keeps on impressing, and I’ve expected her to lose a few times by now. She’s still pushing through, though, and at some point underestimating her is on me. Still, though, Brady is just more powerful and has been playing so well since last fall. I have to think that Brady gets the better of her countrywoman here.
Prediction: Brady in 2
Fraser:
Jessica Pegula is starting to make serious waves on the women’s tour. The American has no real weak points in her game and has navigated tricky opposition throughout the tournament to earn a spot in the quarterfinals. She now faces fellow American Jennifer Brady, who seems to be making a habit of deep runs in Grand Slams. This one is hard to pick. Brady has the bigger weapon with her forehand, but Pegula is more solid overall. I think Pegula will put enough balls in play and play with enough depth and margin that Brady will struggle to get on the front foot here. Brady tends to lose matches she can’t dominate and I think that happens again here.
prediction: Pegula in 3
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Ashleigh Barty vs Karolina Muchova
Jim:
This is a tougher match up for Ashleigh Barty than some might assume. The Australian excels against the big hitters, but Karolina Muchova possesses a very similar skillset to the World #1. That should make for an entertaining clash, with plenty of cat-and-mouse tennis in the forecourt. That said, there is a reason that they are separated by 26 places in the rankings. Muchova may play similar tennis to Barty, but she is not quite as an effective practitioner as the 2019 French Open champion.
Prediction: Barty in 3
Pablo:
Interesting duel between two players who remain undefeated this year. In the past two rounds, Muchova upended perennial contender Karolina Pliskova and the steady Elise Mertens, so she’s heating up at the right time to face Barty. One could think the World No. 1 hasn’t been tested at the Australian Open, but in reality she beat the red-hot Garbiñe Muguruza less than 10 days ago. Barty is ready to elevate her game if required. She will at least match her semifinal result from last season.
Prediction: Barty in 2
Ewan:
Barty won their only previous encounter 6-3 6-4 in the third round of the 2018 US Open. Both players have since made great strides, and neither has dropped a set in this tournament. This is particularly impressive for the Czech, who has faced Jelena Ostapenko, Karolina Pliskova, and Elise Mertens. World #1 Barty is on an eight-match winning streak, after winning the WTA Yarra Valley Classic tune-up event. This should be an entertaining contest between two skilled offensive players who possess a variety of weapons. Barty should, though, be too strong.
Prediction: Barty in 2
Yesh:
Barty has not been her usual dominant self for most of this tournament, though her 6-0 6-0 win in the opening round was impressive. As long as she’s healthy and comfortable, though, it’s hard for me to see Muchova outplaying her. Barty does everything just a little bit better than the Russian, which makes that a tough match for this to win.
Prediction: Barty in 2
Fraser:
I have to admit this might be the match I’m most excited for this tournament. I’m a huge fan of the variety both of these players possess, and this should be a joy for pure tennis lovers to watch. Barty’s variety has thrown off all comers so far. However, Muchova is more than just a bruising baseliner and is happy to mix it up as well. I think Muchova has the feel and tools to cope with what Barty will throw at her. The big question is if Muchova will be brave enough to come in and finish off points when on the front foot. If she is, I think she has a real shot here, but it’s a big ask for a player who hasn’t made a Grand Slam semifinal to be that bold. It will be close, but I think home court advantage and Barty’s experience edge it. Only just, though.
Prediction: Barty in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
