The first week at the Australian Open is done and the field has been whittled down to just 16 men. Day seven will see eight players battle for a spot in the quarterfinals and, as ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule. But who will secure their spot in the last eight?
Australian Open Day 7 Predictions
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Jannik Sinner
Jim: This promises to be an entertaining clash. Jannik Sinner got off to a slow start against Marton Fucsovics, but managed to turn things around (and in some style) to set up this match. But he will not be able to afford such a slow start against Stefanos Tsitsipas. The Greek has a good record in Melbourne and has not dropped a set yet. That will probably change here, but expect it to be Tsitsipas who reaches the last eight.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 4
Damian: We’ve seen this one in the quarterfinals last year with Tsitispas taking it in straight sets. Is there any reason to think that it will be much different this time around? Not really, he probably won’t play his quite as well again, but he’s yet to drop a set and didn’t have a dip like Sinner’s extra sloppy start vs Fucsovics.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 4
Yesh: Tsitsipas is great in Australia. His game doesn’t seem overly special, but somehow it’s more effective in Melbourne than anywhere else. We’ll see if Sinner can blast through it, but based on his form so far I’m skeptical.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 3
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Yoshihito Nishioka vs Karen Khachanov
Jim: This clash may be a little short on star power, but it should be a good match. Karen Khachanov has impressed so far, not least in upsetting Frances Tiafoe in the third round. Yoshihito Nishioka is also having a great tournament. Ultimately, however, Khachanov’s greater ability to step in dictate, as well as his advantage from the line, should be decisive.
Prediction: Khachanov in 5
Damian: Khachanov has been doing very well at the Slams recently and needless to say, this is a big opportunity for him. Nishioka is yet to drop a set and is usually a nightmare for power hitters, but someone as solid as Khachanov usually shouldn’t be bothered as much by his lefty spins. Could be a great one, but the Russian’s been really clutch.
Prediction: Khachanov in 5
Yesh: Khachanov has very quietly been in great form here. When he peaks, he’s tough to beat. And nothing Nishioka does from the baseline will trouble the Russian.
Prediction: Khachanov in 3
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Sebastian Korda vs Hubert Hurkacz
Jim: Could this be the tournament where Sebastian Korda really announces himself. He’s never gone beyond the fourth round at a Major before, but he’s also probably never been playing this well before. When his game is in such good working order, it’s hard to see any real weaknesses and his strengths are readily apparent. Hubert Hurkacz is a very fine player, but his forehand can be targeted and Korda will surely do just that.
Prediction: Korda in 4
Damian: Korda probably won’t even have to adjust his gameplan that much, his rivalry with Hurkacz works almost just like the one with Medvedev, another tall counter-puncher. The Pole is always quite tricky to play, but Korda is just on fire at the moment and has the return game to neutralize his serve.
Prediction: Korda in 4
Yesh: Korda looked unreal in taking out Medvedev the third round. If he keeps on playing like that, there’s no limit to how far he can go here.
Prediction: Korda in 3
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Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Jiri Lehecka
Jim: Felix Auger-Aliassime has not been entirely convincing so far at the Australian Open, but he is still standing. Will he kick on now? He’ll need to against Jiri Lehecka who has picked up where he left off at the end of last year. But Auger-Aliassime has experience on his side and, at this point in their respective careers, he is the more complete player. Expect him to see off Lehecka’s challenge.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 4
Damian: Lehecka got what’s probably the best win of his career over Norrie (it was the third time he’d beaten a world #12, but never on a big stage like that). He doesn’t match up poorly against Auger-Aliassime and will do his best to not give up the baseline. He can stand up to the Canadian and can put pressure on his serve that his previous opponents couldn’t.
Prediction: Lehecka in 5
Yesh: Auger-Aliassime hasn’t been at his best for an entire match yet this event, but when he’s at his best he has been very effective. As long as he plays well, there’s nothing Lehecka can do.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3
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