With several of the world\u2019s best set to take to the court at the Australian Open, there should be plenty of entertaining tennis on day nine in Melbourne. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for all the quarterfinal action, including in the men\u2019s singles, but who will book their spot in the last four?<\/p>\n
Jim: This could probably go either way \u2013 but Elina Svitolina might just have the edge here. She has spent less time on court than Madison Keys, with the American having had to battle her way into the last eight after being handed a tough draw. For a player with Keys\u2019 injury history, that might be a concern. Svitolina also has a solid record \u2018Down Under\u2019 and has played clinically so far.<\/p>\n
Prediction: Svitolina in 3<\/em><\/p>\n Jordan: Svitolina will not be the aggressor to the same degree as her previous matches. However, she possesses the defensive skills to disrupt Keys. Whether this match is played in the day or evening will make a difference, but I favor Svitolina overall.<\/p>\n Prediction: Svitolina in 3<\/em><\/p>\n Ateet: Madison Keys is playing some of the best tennis of her life and that helped her to beat Elena Rybakina in the fourth round. Svitolina displayed great mental strength to win her fourth round match in straight sets. She is playing with more margin which is reducing errors. However, Keys is a very dangerous player and when she\u2019s firing, she is so hard to beat.<\/p>\n Prediction: Keys in 3<\/em><\/p>\n Tope Keys leads their head-to-head encounters 3-2. While Keys is renowned for her powerful serve and aggressive baseline play, often dictating points with her formidable groundstrokes, Svitolina, in contrast, relies on her defensive prowess, exceptional court coverage, making her adept at extending rallies and forcing errors. Give me the Ukrainian to edge this thrilling penultimate finale. Andreas: Navarro has battled through four impressive deciding sets at the Australian Open, but Swiatek has been nowhere near losing a set this fortnight. The Pole has played aggressive tennis, and should be able to break through Navarro\u2019s counterpunching. It\u2019s also quite possible that the American will be tired after all of the tennis that she\u2019s played.<\/p>\n Prediction: Swiatek in 2<\/em><\/p>\n
\nPrediction: Svitolina in 3<\/em><\/p>\n