With several of the world’s 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’s singles, but who will book their spot in the last four?

Australian Open Quarterfinal Predictions

Madison Keys vs Elina Svitolina

Jim: This could probably go either way – 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’ injury history, that might be a concern. Svitolina also has a solid record ‘Down Under’ and has played clinically so far.

Prediction: Svitolina in 3

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.

Prediction: Svitolina in 3

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’s firing, she is so hard to beat.

Prediction: Keys in 3

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.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3

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’s counterpunching. It’s also quite possible that the American will be tired after all of the tennis that she’s played.

Prediction: Swiatek in 2

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Iga Swiatek vs Emma Navarro

Jim: Emma Navarro has demonstrated that her achievements last season were anything but a flash in the pan. But as well as she has played so far this fortnight in Melbourne, it is hard to see her getting anything out of this match. Iga Swiatek does not have the best record at the Australian Open, but she has looked determined to change that this year and will surely have too much for Navarro if she plays anything like her best tennis.

Prediction: Swiatek in 2

Jordan: These two could not have reached the quarterfinal in more contrasting ways. Swiatek has eased past every opponent while all of Navarro’s wins were in the deciding set. The Pole is technically superior and Navarro might also run out of steam after her mammoth efforts.

Prediction: Swiatek in 2

Ateet: Emma Navarro has shown immense level of fitness so far at the Australian Open as she keeps getting better as the match goes longer. However, she can’t rely on that tactic against Swiatek, who will be aggressive and is a better baseliner than the American. Navarro will have to play aggressively and serve well to have any chance of winning this match.

Prediction: Swiatek in 2

Tope: Considering Swiatek’s dominant performance and efficient court time, coupled with Navarro’s extended matches and physical exertion, Swiatek should be expected to win this match. Her aggressive baseline play and ability to dictate rallies will prove challenging for Navarro, who will struggle to maintain peak performance after consecutive lengthy matches. Therefore, the prediction leans towards Swiatek advancing to the semifinals, potentially in straight sets.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3

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’s counterpunching. It’s also quite possible that the American will be tired after all of the tennis that she’s played.

Prediction: Swiatek in 2

Main photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images