We’re now approaching the business end of the Australian Open with the first quarterfinals set at Melbourne Park. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for both matches, as well as the action in the action in the men’s singles, but who will secure their spot in the last four?
Australian Open Quarterfinal Predictions
Aryna Sabalenka vs Iva Jovic
Jim: Aryna Sabalenka may have fallen short in last year’s final, but the Belarusian has an excellent record at Melbourne Park and has looked sharp so far this year, reaching the quarterfinals without dropping a set. She has, in short, looked like the world #1. Iva Jovic’s run to the last eight has, by contrast, come out of nowhere but the 18-year-old has played some superb tennis to reach this stage. Sabalenka’s power will likely make this a challenge too for the young American, but this won’t be the last time we see Jovic in the latter stages of a Major.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Ateet: Sabalenka won another tiebreak in the second set to end Victoria Mboko’s run. She will face another teenager in the form of Jovic, who has shown great improvements this season and will play the biggest match of her career. Jovic has not played against a powerful player like Sabalenka so far here and will not get time to step in on court and dictate rallies.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Jordan: It would be wrong to completely write off Jovic’s chances after her incredible run so far. However, it will likely take something special to beat the world # 1, who has reached the last six Grand Slam women’s hard court finals. The American possesses great defense, but I do not think it is good enough yet to live with Sabalenka on such a big stage.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Coco Gauff vs Elina Svitolina
Jim: Coco Gauff can sometimes feel like she flatters to deceive, but that’s really only because she’s such a gifted athlete and is still only 21. She might hope for slightly more consistency, both in terms of results and performances, but this has been a solid run and she should be feeling confident heading into this quarterfinal. She did lose to Elina Svitolina at the Australian Open back in 2021, but that was five years ago and Gauff is a very different proposition now. It might be close, but the American should have the edge.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Ateet: Gauff faced another tough test in her fourth-round match against Karolina Muchova, but did enough to win. She has shown great mental fortitude to win matches which go to the deciding sets, and might have to dig in once again in the quarterfinal. Svitolina is playing great tennis and is a dangerous opponent for the third seed. Their last two matches went the distance, and I am backing the Ukrainian to reach her first Australian Open semifinals.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Jordan: Svitolina’s level throughout the tournament so far has been slightly better than Gauff’s. The Ukrainian’s cross-court forehand, which was excellent in the opening four rounds, and willingness to be aggressive on second serve return make her a particularly dangerous opponent for Gauff. The world #3’s fighting spirit and ability to grind through tough matches is unmatched in the women’s game. That always gives her a chance, but I narrowly favour the in-form and confident Svitolina.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Main photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images