We’re up to the eighth day of the Australian Open. There are four women’s Round of 16 matches on the day, and we’re here to predict all of them for you. Predicting the matches today are editors Steen Kirby and Sam Barker, along with writer David Adair.
Panelist Predictions Australian Open Women’s Day 8 Matches
Madison Keys vs Caroline Garcia
Sam:
Both young players are really beginning to adapt to life at the top of the game well and this is reflecting in some scintillating tennis at the Slams. Of the two, Keys is the one who has looked the most comfortable throughout the tournament and for that reason I give her the edge in what should be a high-quality affair.
Prediction: Keys in 3
Steen:
Keys and Garcia have split H2H meetings, but Keys has blitzed through her first three matches and the American should be the favorite in this one.
Prediction: Keys in 2
David:
This is a tricky one. Both players are yet to reach peak fitness, after returning from an injury absence. Madison Keys was able to see off the gutsy Bogdan in the last round. Garcia was in and out against the improving Sasnovich in round 3. This will be a close match and both players will have to fight for each point. At this stage, Garcia probably has the most fight in her.
Prediction: Garcia in 3
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Hsieh Su-wei vs Angelique Kerber
Sam:
Hsieh has been one of the stories of the tournament and a third scalp here would be beyond remarkable. That said, Kerber is playing at a level that may even be better than 2015 and is probably the front-runner for the title. A competent and comfortable win is to be expected.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
Steen:
Kerber is a heavy favorite after winning every match to start her season. She crushed Sharapova and only a lapse in concentration would result in her losing this one.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
David:
Kerber has definitely been the eye catcher this tournament. Maria Sharapova was not playing that badly – the German just made her look poor. The Kerber bandwagon is not stopping just yet.
Prediction : Kerber in 2
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Barbora Strycova vs Karolina Pliskova
Sam:
After seeing her form tail off at the back end of 2017, Karolina Pliskova has quietly played some inspirational tennis in Melbourne. Strycova too has been good but Pliskova has the ability to simply blow her opponent apart and will do so here.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Steen:
A solid start to the year for Strycova but Pliskova is in the top 5 for a reason and should demonstrate that in this one.
Prediction: Pliskova in 3
David:
Another fellow Czech awaits Karolina Pliskova in this fourth round match, having previously disposed of Safarova, with more ease than many expected. Pliskova leads the head-to-head 2-1. The last meeting between this pair was on hard court in Miami last year. It ended in a resounding Pliskova victory. There is little reason why this tie should not have a similar outcome.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
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Simona Halep vs Naomi Osaka
Sam:
Halep is unquestionably the better player of the two but she has had a brutal Australian Open so far and that will finally catch up with her. After playing four hours on a sore ankle in the last round, Halep will struggle against Osaka who has nothing to lose.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Steen:
Halep is coming off a brutal three setter while Osaka has looked really solid through three rounds. The upset isn’t likely, but the 20-year-old Osaka is coming into her own and Halep should be on upset alert.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
David:
The World #1 was put through the mill, by American Lauren Davis in round 3. The Halep camp will be disconcerted by Halep’s worried attention to her ankles in that much. It was obviously worrying her. Osaka, who had an impressive victory over Barty in her last match, will be well aware of this weaknesses. This will be a deciding factor in this match.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
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