Australian Open Day 10: Alcaraz, Medvedev and Zheng favorites in final QF matches

We have reached the final quarterfinal matches of the 2024 Australian Open. There are some big names still in contention as expected.

The men's side could be shaping up to a top-four showdown. Carlos Alcaraz versus Daniil Medvedev is a possibility in one semifinal. Jannik Sinner versus Novak Djokovic is a reality in the other.

The women's side, in particular, has some underdog stories that could crescendo. Take a look at how I think it'll play out.

Who will win at the Australian Open on Day 10?

(3) Daniil Medvedev versus (9) Hubert Hurkacz

It hasn't exactly been smooth sailing for Medvedev during this tournament, but he is still alive and kicking and that's all that matters. The big-hitting Hurkacz has also been battle tested so this will be an intriguing matchup.

However, Hurkacz does not have nearly the consistency or variety in his game that Medvedev does. I expect the lanky 3-seed to absorb the powerful groundstrokes from the Pole and make him work for every point.

Prediction: Daniil Medvedev wins in four sets

(12) Qinwen Zheng versus Anna Kalinskaya

Zheng has looked strong and confident in Melbourne as she continues to take the next step in her career. Reaching a Grand Slam semifinal would go a long way to launching her breakout 2024 season. Kalinskaya took out Sloane Stephens and the 27-seed Jasmine Paolini on the way to the final 8. She is playing with house money at the moment.

However, Zheng has such a dynamic game that I don't see this one being particularly close barring a collapse from nerves as the favorite in a quarterfinal.

Prediction: Qinwen Zheng wins in straight sets

(2) Carlos Alcaraz versus (6) Alexander Zverev

This is without a doubt the best match remaining in either quarterfinal draw. Carlos Alcaraz has been in sparkling form whereas Zverev has needed a pair of 5th-set tiebreaks to get here. With that being said, Zverev does hold a winning record against the Spaniard in their careers. His massive serve combined with his elite-level groundstrokes make him a headache for Alcaraz to play,

However, the ridiculous defensive skills from the 2-seed can easily frustrate Zverev as well. If both men bring their best games, this could be an early candidate for Match of the Year.

Prediction: Carlos Alcaraz wins in five sets

Dayana Yastremska versus Linda Noskova

In a quarterfinal clash that nobody saw coming, we have a pair of young upstarts making stunning runs. The 19-year-old Noskova stunned the tennis world when she took down World No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the 3rd round. She then caught a break when No. 19 seed Elina Svitolina retired after 3 games in the previous round.

Yastremska toppled the Wimbledon Champion Marketa Vondrousova as well as Victoria Azarenka to get here. So both women have taken down some of the biggest names.

This kind of match will come down to who can handle the moment the best. Neither was expected to come close to this, so whoever can stay in the moment the best, will be favorite.

Prediction: Dayana Yastremska wins in 3 sets