Prediction: Sabalenka in 2<\/em><\/p>\nDamian:<\/em>
\nPavlyuchenkova used to play Sabalenka quite close, but it feels redundant to look at matches that were played a few years back in this case. The World No. 1 has a few similar matchups against power-hitters where she used to struggle. But at this stage of her career, it\u2019s kind of like she\u2019s just a much younger and dynamic version of Pavlyuchenkova\u2019s game. The Russian loves making these somewhat random Grand Slam runs and they usually end at the quarterfinal stage (already her fourth in Australia).
\nPrediction: Sabalenka in 2<\/em><\/p>\nAteet:<\/em>
\nSabalenka played her best match so far at the Australian Open to easily defeat Mirra Andreeva in straight sets. The world No.1 was at her dominant best and in this form, I can\u2019t see her losing to Pavlyuchenkova, who has been impressive but has never been past the quarterfinal stage at the Australian Open. Pavlyuchenkova has a winning record against Sabalenka but those wins came when Sabalenka was not the player she is now. I expect a fight from the Russian player but can\u2019t see her beating the tournament favourite.
\nPrediction: Sabalenka in 2<\/em><\/p>\nYesh:<\/em>
\nI am a bit nervous that Sabalenka’s domination of Mirra Andreeva could be creating a bit of overconfidence. The Belarussian has always excelled in that matchup, and she can just overpower everything Andreeva does. The same will not happen against Pavlyuchenkova. The older Russian always has an effect plan b (or c), and will keep things far closer. Close enough that things can flip if Sabalenka gets tight, which she won’t.
\nPrediction: Sabalenka in 2<\/em><\/p>\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>