Australian Open 2015 Day 8 Predictions and Betting Tips

Day 8 will feature tough Round of 16 match ups played before an inspired Aussie crowd. At this point, upsets seem unlikely but you never know!

Stanislas Wawrinka (1/10) vs. Guillermo Garcia Lopez (7/1)

37^th ranked Guillermo Garcia-Lopez has earned a nice payday regardless of whether he upsets the defending champion, 4^th seeded Stanislaus Wawrinka, or not. After losing the first set of the tournament to German Peter Gojowczyk, the Spaniard has won 9 straight sets to reach the round of 16. This looks to be the end of the line in Melbourne for the upset hopeful Wawrinka has been as impressive as anyone in the field, including Novak Djokovic. The Swiss star has made the most of a relatively easy draw and should be rested and ready to defend his title without great difficulty.

David Ferrer (2/1) v Kei Nishikori (4/9)

This is probably the match of the day on the Men’s side of the draw. Our pick to win the event, 5^th seed Kei Nishikori, has been tested and has gone four sets in each of his last two matches. We don’t worry about his stamina but the irrepressible 9^th seed, David Ferrer, makes a living keeping opponents on the court and on the go hitting more shots than they would like. This match has all the makings of a five set barnburner. The difference here is Nishikori’s more dominant serve. With two adept baseliners, this match will feature long rallies and dazzling footwork. The Last Samurai has the stronger net game and the more tireless legs and should ride them to a hard fought victory!

Madison Keys (2/5) v Madison Brengle (9/4)

Fresh off her upset of 4^th seed Petra Kvitova, hard serving American Madison Keys will take on countrywoman Madison Brengle in an unexpected all-American round of 16 matchup. Brengle beat Coco Vandeweghe to get here but certainly did not overpower her. In fact, Brengle has not faced the likes of the Keys power game and will come up short against one of the biggest hitters in the women’s game. Keys reached 199 kmh on the serve gun and out-served a respected two-time Grand Slam winner in her smashing win over a svelte Kvitova. Looks like Keys in straight sets from here.

Dominika Cibulkova (7/4) v Victoria Azarenka (1/2)

Here’s the long and short day of the match. The diminutive fireplug Dominika Cibulkova will try to keep up with a resurrected  6 foot long Victoria Azarenka, who has looked to be the most impressive female in the tournament to date. Unseeded Victoria has moved through the most challenging draw without losing a set. If she has a weakness it is the lack or pa power serve but the 5 foot 3 inch Cibulkova does not have the firepower to capitalize. Victoria should move on to a quarterfinal pairing against top seed Serena Williams.