Rod Laver Arena
Angelique Kerber (GER)[7] vs. Annika Beck (GER)
The All-German battle should see favourite Angelique Kerber prevailing in straight sets. The two have never met before on the tour, but Kerber is hardly going to let the opportunity to reach the quarter-finals in Melbourne for the first time in her career slip away from her racquet. Beck has had a great tournament and will be rewarded entering the top 40 of the rankings starting on next week, but to beat her compatriot to reach the last 8 in a major would be slightly too big for her right now.
Victoria Azarenka (BLR)[14] vs. Barbora Strycova (CZE)
Now that Muguruza is out too, it will be very hard not to see Victoria on court for the final day of the women’s draw on Saturday. The Belarusian is playing flawless tennis, some of the best of her career. Strycova will surrender in straight sets.
Milos Raonic (CAN)[13] vs. Stan Wawrinka (SUI)[4]
Match of the day on the men’s draw. Is it time for Raonic to finally break big? After winning in Brisbane against Federer, the Canadian has the confidence he needs to believe he could win a major with his tennis. The problem for him though is that Raonic has never beaten Wawrinka in the four previous meetings they had on the tour. The last three matches played by the two were won by the Swiss in straight sets, meaning that the last time the Canadian has won a set against Wawrinka was in 2012. Sure Raonic has improved since then, but so has Wawrinka, who is the only other player with Djokovic having won at least one Slam in the last two years. Playing in Australia, where Stan won two years ago, I believe the Swiss will have the home advantage and use it to win yet another time against Milos. Sure this can be a high quality match, hopefully a 5-set battle, which Raonic can fight with his serve. In the end though, Wawrinka should gain the edge and win.
Bernard Tomic (AUS)[16] vs. Andy Murray (GBR)[2]
Just like for Raonic, it is time for Tomic to prove he can be a top ten player and a future Grand Slam winner. After not-so-elegantly replying to Roger Federer that he is ready to enter the top 10, Tomic has a chance to prove his home fans that he is already worth a spot on the top of men’s tennis. Murray has been playing incredibly solid tennis in Melbourne, dominating his previous opponents with ease, only losing a set to Sousa. Tomic hasn’t been just as convincing as the Brit, losing a set against injured Bolelli in the second round, and almost losing a set to his compatriot Millman in the 4th round. Murray has never lost a set to Tomic in their previous three meetings. It is probably time for Andy to let a set go to the Aussie, but I don’t see Murray losing more than that, winning the match.
Madison Keys (USA)[15] vs. Shuai Zhang (CHN)
Shuai Zhang hasn’t failed to impress this year in Australia. She will be back in the top 100 thanks to the same tournament she thought was going to be her very last major. Keys however should prove to be too strong for the Chinese. Madison has the serve and power to move the Chinese around and conquer the quarters in Melbourne again.
Margaret Court Arena
Andrey Kuznetsov (RUS) vs. Gael Monfils (FRA)[23]
Monfils has won both previous matches he has played against the Russian and should be able to win this third clash quite comfortably. The French should win in four sets, reaching the quarters in Melbourne for the first time in his career.
Johanna Konta (GBR) vs. Ekaterina Makarova (RUS)[21]
Johanna Konta has won the other other match played against Makarova last year in Eastbourne. That match should give the confidence Konta needs to believe she can win again against the Russian, even if this match will be staged at a Grand Slam tournament. Konta has the maturity she needs to reach her maiden major quarter-final, after the splendid run she had last year in New York. Makarova is back to the level of tennis she has showed up until 2014, but that could not yet be enough to beat Konta easily.
Hisense Arena
David Ferrer (ESP)[8] vs. John Isner (USA)[10]
Ferrer has beaten Isner six out of the seven times they have played in total. The last time the American has managed to beat the Spaniard is dated 2011 and was in three sets. Last year, in what hasn’t been the best season for Ferrer, David still beat the American in three sets indoor in Bercy. Isner could win the match, but Ferrer has the perfect return game to win against the American. David should win again, but in a tight 5-setter.
