We have reached the second week of the first slam of the season, as 16 women remain in the 2026 Australian Open draw. With a few upsets across the grounds of Melbourne, day eight has situated us with some terrific matchups between top players. Among them are Aryna Sabalenka vs Victoria Mboko and Coco Gauff vs Karolina Muchova.
As always, we at LWOT offer our previews and predictions on all matches. Ateet Shrivastava, Jordan Reynolds, and Shane Black provide their insights. But who will advance?
Australian Open Day 8 Women’s Predictions
Iva Jovic vs Yulia Putintseva
Ateet
Yulia Putintseva had a lot of drive in the third round to beat Zeynep Sonmez, who had the majority of the crowd’s support in the match. It has been a great run for Putintseva, but I like Iva Jovic’s chances in this one. Jovic has shown great improvement this season and has the extra firepower to deal with Putintseva.
Prediction: Jovic in 3
Jordan
Jovic continued her excellent start to 2025 and made global headlines by beating Jasmine Paolini. The fiery Putintseva will offer a different test with her variety and willingness to soak up pressure. Jovic possesses more talent, but I feel the heightened pressure on the teenager and Putintseva’s style might give the Kazakhstani the edge.
Prediction: Putintseva in 3
Shane
The young American phenom is into the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career; will her run end here? Putintseva fended off the crowd in Round 3 and is seemingly playing with house money. Will the nerves affect either of these players? With so much unknown, I’ll side with the more talented Jovic.
Prediction: Jovic in 3
Coco Gauff vs Karolina Muchova
Ateet
Karolina Muchova looks in sublime form so far, but has never won a set against Coco Gauff in four meetings. Muchova has a beautiful game but lacks the killer weapon to pierce Gauff’s elite defense consistently. At best, she takes a set.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Jordan
Gauff has good memories against Muchova. She defeated her to win titles in Cincinnati and Beijing, and to reach the 2023 US Open final. The world No. 3’s excellent return and passing shots cut off two of Muchova’s strengths, and she can consistently target the Czech’s vulnerable backhand with her own world-class backhand in cross-court rallies. Gauff should have the edge.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Shane
Gauff has owned this head-to-head and should enter this match with a terrific amount of confidence. Muchova is the definition of ‘hot and cold’, and right now, she very much looks in form. Do not be surprised if this is the best match of the day. In a true coin flip, I’ll side with the more consistent American.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Mirra Andreeva vs Elina Svitolina
Ateet
No. 8 seed Mirra Andreeva is in the fourth round for the third consecutive year at the Australian Open and is eyeing a quarterfinals debut. Elina Svitolina will be her toughest challenge so far, and only her best tennis could get her over the line.
Prediction: Andreeva in 3
Jordan
Both women were very impressive in the opening three rounds. Andreeva possesses slightly more natural talent overall, but Svitolina’s forehand is superior, something she will try to take advantage of. I narrowly favor Andreeva, but this battle of the in-form players could easily go either way.
Prediction: Andreeva in 3
Shane
Andreeva will be a Grand Slam champion. She had 18 slam wins before her 18th birthday and has reached three quarterfinals and a semi over the previous two seasons. Svitolina has been around the block a few times and possesses one of the most lethal forehands on tour. Expect a fun, high-powered baseline battle. I’ll take the phenom in two tight sets.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2
Aryna Sabalenka vs Victoria Mboko
Ateet
Aryna Sabalenka is on a eight match win streak this season, but played her worst match in the third round against Anastasia Potapova. Sabalenka made a lot of wild errors and will need to tidy them up against Victoria Mboko, who showed great mental fortitude to win against Clara Tauson. I expect the top seed to be extra careful and play a better match.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Jordan
I think Mboko has a realistic chance of toppling the two-time Australian Open champion. The young Canadian star possesses the balance of attacking skills and athleticism that are needed to beat Sabalenka. Last year’s runner-up might not be used to playing someone of Mboko’s quality in the round of 16. It would be Sabalenka’s earliest Grand Slam exit in a few years, but I am backing it to happen.
Prediction: Mboko in 3
Shane
Sabalenka was challenged in her third-round match against Potapova. Typically, when this happens, she bounces back in a big way. Mboko has the talent to hang tough, but Sabalenk’s experience in the pressure moments should pay massive dividends.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – Imagn Images
