There should be no shortage of entertaining tennis on day eight at the Australian Open with several of the world’s best set to take to the court at Melbourne Park. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match, including all the action men’s singles, but who will secure their spot in the quarterfinals?

Australian Open Day 8 Predictions

Mirra Andreeva vs Aryna Sabalenka

Ilemona: Aryna Sabalenka, the defending champion, brings overwhelming power and Grand Slam experience to this clash. Mirra Andreeva, while talented and mentally solid for her age, has yet to consistently handle top-tier power players at this level. Sabalenka’s aggressive baseline play and first-strike tennis will likely expose Andreeva’s limited firepower, though Andreeva’s variety and counterpunching could disrupt Sabalenka if the Belarusian gets erratic.

Prediction: Sabalenka in 2

Jordan: Andreeva defeated the world #1 at the 2024 French Open. However, Sabalenka was suffering with an illness during that match. I doubt Andreeva is ready to beat the two-time defending champion in the conditions she has dominated in during the last couple of years.

Prediction: Sabalenka in 2

Yesh: Is this the time for Andreeva to make her name at a Major? Sabalenka has left some openings, but I don’t think she’s far enough from her peak that the Russian can handle her on a court this fast.

Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
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Donna Vekic vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova

Ilemona: Donna Vekic enters with recent form and fitness on her side, while Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova has been inconsistent since returning from injury. Vekic’s powerful serve and forehand should give her the edge in quicker points, but Pavlyuchenkova’s experience and baseline control could flip the match if it turns physical.

Prediction: Pavlyuchenkova in 3

Jordan: Vekic’s victory against Diana Shnaider was one of the best matches of the tournament. She recovered from 3-5 in the deciding set to pull off a dramatic triumph after a match of outstanding quality. Her and Pavlyuchenkova are big hitters, but Vekic will probably be the more consistent player over three sets.

Prediction: Vekic in 3

Yesh: Pavlyuchenkova looks in good form at the moment. She never achieved her full potential, sadly, but she has had stronger moments in recent years. Vekic looks in good form and is constantly improving. This should be a great match that can go either way.

Prediction: Vekic in 3

Coco Gauff vs Belinda Bencic

Ilemona: Coco Gauff’s defensive skillset and athleticism often frustrate aggressive baseliners like Belinda Bencic. However, Bencic’s flat groundstrokes and ability to take the ball early could rush Gauff if she’s not serving well. Gauff’s improved forehand and superior physical conditioning make her the safer pick, but she’ll need to neutralize Bencic’s first-strike tennis.

Prediction: Gauff in 2

Jordan: Gauff moved up a couple of gears in the last round against Leylah Fernandez. Bencic’s return from maternity leave has been impressive and there will be great athleticism demonstrated throughout the match. Aside from her second serve, Gauff’s game is better in all departments and she should have enough to triumph in straight sets again.

Prediction: Gauff in 2

Yesh: Bencic looks in strong form as she returns from maternity leave, but Gauff is playing like the woman last year who won the WTA Finals. That’s more than the Swiss can handle.

Prediction: Gauff in 2
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Paula Badosa vs Olga Danilovic

Ilemona: Paula Badosa has the experience advantage and a more complete baseline game, but her form has fluctuated due to injuries. Olga Danilovic’s lefty spin and aggressive baseline play could trouble Badosa if she starts slow. However, Badosa’s heavier groundstrokes and superior defense should help her weather early pressure.

Prediction: Badosa in 3

Jordan: Badosa has her work cut out if Danilovic’s level is as good as an outstanding upset victory against Jessica Pegula in the last round. The Spaniard’s more powerful serve and greater ability to mix up the pace and spin of her shots compared to Pegula might be what stops her from also suffering an upset. It could be a very tight and lengthy battle, though.

Prediction: Badosa in 3

Yesh: Is Badosa back? She’s sure playing like it. If Badosa is back, whilst she probably still won’t be winning Slams––but she won’t be losing to Danilovic either.

Prediction: Badosa in 2

Main photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images