Eva Lys looks to continue her streak of luck against Iga Swiatek in the round of 16 of the Australian Open, while Elina Svitolina will be tested by Veronika Kudermetova. Our panelists offer their predictions for every match.
Eva Lys vs Iga Swiatek
Liam McBride: Lucky loser Eva Lys has defied all odds to reach the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time ever. Can this run continue? Most likely not. The German has shown mental resilience and ability under pressure with some narrow wins, however with the greatest of respect to Jacqueline Christian, Iga Swiatek is on a whole new level. The world #2 was imperious against Emma Radacannu and will repeat another one-sided scoreline. Swiatek in
Jordan Reynolds: What Lys has achieved is undoubtedly one of the stories of the tournament. However, she has no chance against Swiatek if the Pole is at 50% of her level against Emma Raducanu. The world No. 2 is thriving in the slower conditions at this year’s Australian Open. Swiatek in
Steen Kirby: Swiatek is a heavy favorite and hasn’t been tested through three matches. Lys has won a couple of three setters and may be running out of gas at this point, this is a great story, but it probably isn’t the makings of an upset as Swiatek will be on cruise control. Swiatek in
Elena Ryabkina vs Madison Keys
Liam: It’s a battle between two of the biggest hitters in tennis. Rybakina has looked back to her brilliant best, progressing through the opening rounds with little fuss. Keys has had to work harder, although has admittedly played tougher opposition. Against those at the top of the game, sometimes Keys can let herself down and fail to perform. If she plays at her highest level, this will be tight, but you sometimes lack confidence in her during these types of battles. Rybakina in 2
Jordan: There are doubts surrounding Rybakina because of a lower back injury she sustained in the last round. The Kazakhstani did not sound confident in her comments after that match. Playing against someone like Keys, who keeps the rallies short, will help somewhat, but there is too much uncertainty surrounding Rybakina for me to back her. Keys in 2
Steen: Keys has won three big matches but Rybakina has been ripping through her opponents and looks set to perhaps lift this title based on her current form, I don’t see Keys stopping her this early in the tournament. Rybakina in 2
Emma Navarro vs. Daria Chestnut
Liam: Emma Navarro has played herself into form, and her impressive victory over Ons Jabeur will give her a load of confidence. Kasatkina showed off her unique style of tennis against Yulia Putintseva. She has such a soft game that lacks power, but the angles she can find plus the spin she can generate make her a tough draw for anyone. Having said that, Navarro will continue her Grand Slam momentum. Navarro in 2
-Jordan: These two have similarly gritty styles. While Navarro is slightly higher-ranked, Kasatkina won her opening three matches more comfortably than the American. However, Kasatkina blinked after getting to the third round last year in the Grand Slams, something the cool and calm Navarro probably will not do. Navarro in 3
Steen: Navarro has three consecutive three set wins in some of the best matches of the tournamentKasatkina has yet to drop a set. These are two top 10 players but I’m a bit less confident in Navarro at this point in the tournament, despite her confidence in Grand Slams. Kasatkina in 2
Veronika Kudermetova vs Elina Svitlona
Liam: Svitolina sent Jasmine Paolini packing her bags, with a bagel third set decider. Yet, while Kudermetova is ranked much lower than the Italian, in many ways, she could be a tougher test. The 27-year-old has knocked out Katie Boulter and Beatriz Haddad Maia in straight sets and will be sky-high in confidence. She will continue to be the seed disrupter. Kudermetova and 3
Jordan: It is tough to overstate how good Svitolina was in the final two sets against Jasmine Paolini. Kudermetova’s serve and groundstrokes might need to be impeccable here. I doubt they will be good enough to overcome the Ukrainian because of how confident she must be feeling. Svitolina and 2
Steen: The former top 10 player Kudermetova has pulled off some upsets and is playing great tennis, she’s only once previously made it to the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam. Svitolina came back from losing the first set in her last match and is also aiming to return to the top 10. Having missed the late part of last season and only having limited match practice, Svitolina has surprised to make it this far, I’ll go with Kudermetova in a slight upset. Kudermetova and 3
Main Photo Credit: Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
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