AO Day 8 Preview: Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and Elina Svitolina in action

The 2024 Australian Open has seen its share of upsets. Gone are Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud. Still, plenty of big names are still remain.

In this article, we're going to round out the remaining quarterfinal spots on both the men's and women's side of things on Day 8 as the Australian Open keeps rolling.

Let's take a look at some of the matches on tap. Plus, a few predictions.

Preview and predictions for Day 8 of the Australian Open

(6) Alexander Zverev versus (19) Cam Norrie

Zverev had to survive a 4 1/2 hour war in the second round against a qualifier before a more comfortable third-round victory. Whereas Norrie dispatched of 3-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud in the previous round.

That win should give Norrie a lot of momentum heading into this clash. His unorthodox game can trouble a lot of players, especially when he is on.

Having said that, Zverev has such a high-level game that if he plays to his best, he should take care of business. Norrie will battle, but it won't be enough in the end.

Prediction: Alexander Zverev wins in four sets

(18) Victoria Azarenka versus Dayana Yastremska

34-year-old Azarenka is showing no signs of slowing down in the early part of 2024. She is as fiery as ever and comes into this match off a thorough domination of the 11-seed Jelena Ostapenko.

For all the accolades of Azarenka, Yastremska had to make it through qualifiers just to make the field in Melbourne. Once she got there though she stunned the Wimbledon champ and No. 7 seed Marketa Vondrousova with ease.

As I look at this match, the power game is clearly an edge for Victoria but Yastremska has been playing some fearless tennis and she has every chance to pull another upset. In the end, I think it's the veteran savvy that gets Azarenka across the line.

Prediction: Victoria Azarenka wins in 3 sets

(2) Carlos Alcaraz versus Miomir Kecmanovic

The super-talented Spaniard continues to be must-watch television as he is a lock for 3-5 shots every match that take your breath away. Kecmanovic is a workmanlike opponent who has grinded on tour to become a solid player. However, Alcaraz just has way too much game for him at this point in their careers. Kecmanovic might steal a set if all things fall his way, but that is a best-case scenario.

Prediction: Carlos Alcaraz wins in straight sets

(19) Elina Svitolina versus Linda Noskova

Svitolina has barely broken a sweat through three rounds and she comes into the Round of 16 with a wave of good mojo. She also catches a huge break as she would have expected to be playing World No. 1 Iga Swiatek. Linda Noskova had other plans.

It turns this match from a slight underdog status at best for Svitolina to her becoming a strong favorite to advance. If she can keep her composure, I expect her to do just that. It won't be easy for Noskova to come down from the high of beating Swiatek that fast.

Prediction: Elina Svitolina wins in straight sets

Other players I think that advance to the quarterfinals are Daniil Medvedev, Qinwen Zheng, Hubert Hurkacz, and Anna Kalinskaya.