The first two of the men’s quarterfinal matches at the Australian Open will be contested on Tuesday in Melbourne. As always, our writers will share their thoughts on both matches with you. Predicting these matches are Damian Kust, Jack Edward, Shane Black, Jakub Bobro, and Glenys Furness. Who do you think will win?
Australian Open Men’s Quarterfinal Predictions
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Jiri Lehecka
Damian:
Tsitsipas seemed to be in such amazing form, but his fourth round against Sinner was far from convincing, especially with the two low-energy sets he played in the middle of it. Lehecka has been looking so complete this fortnight and should have a very decent matchup here, playing a bit like with Auger-Aliassime and taking time away from the Greek’s backhand. If he can stay as calm and collected as he’s been, this run doesn’t have to end.
Prediction: Lehecka in 5
Jack:
Jiri Lehecka’s match with Felix Auger-Aliassime was extremely tight with both players serving and forehand-ing their way to one dropped service game each. What made the slightest difference was Lehecka’s ability to out-rally the Canadian given the chance. Stefanos Tsitsipas will not give Lehecka as much freedom to boss the rallies. Sure, there is maybe still some vulnerability in the return which could keep things close but Tsitsipas’s baseline game is looking fiercer than ever. The moment shouldn’t get to him–a fourth semifinal for the Greek is incoming.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 4
Shane:
On paper, 21-year-old Jiri Lehecka looks like the massive underdog against three-time Australian Open semifinalist Stefanos Tsitsipas. That said, Lehecka has notched wins over Felix Auger-Aliassime, Borna Coric, Cameron Norrie, and Alexander Zverev this year. His serve and forehand combination has been lethal as the Czech native bullies his opponents around the court. Tsitsipas should be able to counteract that with his athleticism and big-hitting. Lehecka should keep it close, but I trust the Greek when it matters most.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 4
Jakub:
Tsitsipas is not only the overwhelming favorite to reach the final from the top half, the Greek is my favorite for the title. Tsitsipas, still undefeated in 2023, beat Jannik Sinner in five sets last time out. Lehecka is having his slam breakout run, defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime after impressive wins over Cameron Norrie and Borna Coric. It has been an amazing week for the young Czech but I am afraid it ends here.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 4
Glenys:
Lehecka has been the surprise of the event so far. The Czech has dispatched three seeds so far: Coric, Norrie, and Auger-Aliassime, which has been unexpected. Lehecka faces another tough match in Tsitsipas. The Greek had an easy time the first three rounds, with only Sinner the 15th seed pushing the third seed all the way. This will be an interesting match up, and do not discount Lehecka in this.
Prediction: Lehecka in 4
Karen Khachanov vs Sebastian Korda
Damian:
Last time they met, it was a breaking serve festival in the fifth set at Wimbledon. This one should look a bit different, but it still feels like an opportunity for Korda to have a bit of a letdown. Khachanov has been so clutch at Grand Slams recently and he will require the American to be at his very best. At least in the fourth round, he wasn’t able to achieve that.
Prediction: Khachanov in 5
Jack:
Karen Khachanov has been in nine Grand Slam fourth rounds since 2017. His ability to consistently defeat players ranked lower than him on the biggest stage has gone a little underrated throughout his career. For those that have been paying attention, a quarterfinal appearance given the players he’s faced doesn’t feel particularly surprising. It’s against higher-ranked opponents that he’s been unstuck throughout his career–unfortunately for him, Korda is playing Top 10 tennis, having shaken some of his mental demons in his run here. It’s difficult not to see the American coming through.
Prediction: Korda in 4
Shane:
An unlikely meeting between Karen Khachanov and Sebastian Korda will propel one of these men into their first Australian Open semifinal. The American has gotten the better of Khachanov in their only two meetings on a hard court. Although Korda had a few sloppy sets in his fourth-round win, both of these men have looked confident and deliberate in Melbourne. I do not think much separates them in their current form, but I have to give a slight edge to Korda. His ability to rush the net and close ground will allow him to win (or lose) this match on his own terms.
Prediction: Korda in 4
Jakub:
Khachanov finally broke through the third round in Melbourne after four straight eliminations at that stage. The Russian eliminated Frances Tiafoe before bageling Yoshihito Nishioka in two of the three sets they played to reach the quarters. Korda has shown a great level in Melbourne, eliminating Daniil Medvedev and Hubert Hurkacz back-to-back. The two played out a five-set classic at Wimbledon 2021 with Khachanov coming out on top, although Korda has won their two most recent meetings. This is very tough to call but I will lean toward Korda.
Prediction: Korda in 5
Glenys:
Neither have had an easy route to this stage. Both have only had two straight set matches to the quarter-final stage. Korda has had the more impressive wins though, having already dispatched Medvedev & Hurkacz who are both seeded higher. Khachanov will not have an easy ride here and the American will fight for the semifinal place.
Prediction: Korda in 5
Main Photo from Getty.
