After an opening week featuring some thrilling tennis and no shortage of stunning upsets, the Australian Open is now fast approaching the business end of the tournament. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match of the fourth round. But who will secure their place in the quarterfinals?
Australian Open Day 7 Predictions
Ash Barty vs Amanda Anisimova
Jim: Ash Barty made assured progress through the first week at the Australian Open, with her 6-2 6-3 win over Camila Giorgi in the third round particularly impressive. Amanda Anisimova has looked to be getting back to something approaching her best too, but it is a tall order for the American to back up her win over defending champion Naomi Osaka here.
Prediction: Barty in 2
Yesh: What a week for Anisimova. She finally looks like her old self, and the reward is running into the absolute buzzsaw that is Barty. Anisimova might be the second-best player at this tournament. But Barty is the best, and no one is even close.
Prediction: Barty in 2
Fraser: Anisimova picked up a huge win by beating 2021 champion Osaka. She now faces an even tougher test in the form of world #1 Barty. The Aussie looks in Incredible touch and is the deserved favourite here in Melbourne. Anisimova played superb tennis to beat Osaka, but I’m not sure she can replicate that form against Barty given the different looks the Aussie will throw at her.
Prediction: Barty in 3
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Jessica Pegula vs Maria Sakkari
Jim: Jessica Pegula clearly enjoys playing in Australia. The American has had to battle at times, but has been able to tough it out when she has needed to and has also played some fine free-flowing tennis. Unfortunately, it is hard to see her campaign continuing into the quarterfinals. Maria Sakkari has looked a cut above so far in Melbourne and should have too much for Pegula.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Yesh: Pegula has looked solid here, but I don’t think she’ll match her quarterfinal showing from last year. Sakkari has just been better.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Fraser: Sakkari looked superb in dispatching Veronica Kudermetova in straight sets last round. By contrast, Pegula took a while to figure things out against Nuria Parrizas Diaz. A player of Sakkari’s quality won’t afford her that luxury and I expect the Greek to go deep in Melbourne. Her serve and power off the ground should see her through this match at least.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
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Barbora Krejcikova vs Victoria Azarenka
Jim: This promises to be some match. Victoria Azarenka has hardly broken a sweat in reaching the second week, whilst Barbora Krejcikova has looked similarly impressive bar a poor opening set against Jelena Ostapenko in the third round. Something has to give here. In truth this is a match that could easily go either way, but Azarenka is the player with the history of success at this venue. That could prove to be decisive.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
Yesh: Krejcikova outlasted the storm that is Ostapenko in her last match. Azarenka does not have the pure raw power that Ostapenko does, but she’s close, and far more consistent. Ostapenko blasted Krejcikova off the court when her game was on. Azarenka will do the same, and her game will be on much more.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Fraser: Azarenka looks as good as ever in Melbourne. The Belarusian is one of the best hard court players in the history of the game and will be eyeing up a third Grand Slam given her form so far. Barbora Krejcikova is the world #4 and no slouch on hard courts, but she can’t live with Azarenka at her best. Especially not if she has wobbles the way she did against Ostapenko in the last round.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
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Madison Keys vs Paula Badosa
Jim: Madison Keys’ barnstorming run was very nearly brought to a halt by Wang Qiang in the third round. Will that slight loss of momentum cost her against Paula Badosa? The Spaniard did have to work hard for own third-round win and this may well be another difficult day at the office for her. But Badosa is in the happy habit of winning matches and should have the edge here.
Prediction: Badosa in 3
Yesh: Keys survived a massive scare in the last round, as did Badosa. The Spaniard is the better player, but the American is more comfortable on this court, and has more experience in tense moments.
Prediction: Keys in 3
Fraser: Badosa came through an instant classic against Marta Kostyuk in the last round. Likewise, Keys needed three sets to get past Wang. The Spaniard is the better mover and more consistent. However, Keys has the power advantage and a bigger serve. If Keys keeps the errors under control she wins this, but that’s easier said than done against a player of Badosa’s quality.
Prediction: Badosa in 3
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