The Brisbane International 2026 will enter the quarterfinal stage on Day 6 (Friday, January 9) of the tournament. While defending champion Aryna Sabalenka has crushed her opponents so far, the men’s side witnessed the departure of reigning champion Jiri Lehecka due to an injury.
Aside from Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Daniil Medvedev, and Madison Keys are some of the other big names in action on Friday. On that note, here are the predictions for all the singles matches set for Day 6 of the Brisbane International 2026:
#1. Aryna Sabalenka vs Madison Keys
Sabalenka commenced her title defense with a 6-0, 6-1 win over Cristina Bucsa, and followed it up with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Sorana Cirstea. Keys beat McCartney Kessler 6-4, 6-3, and fought for over three hours to beat Diana Shnaider 6-7 (5), 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4).
Keys brought an end to Sabalenka’s reign in Melbourne last year, beating the two-time defending champion in three sets in the final. The Belarusian avenged that loss with a 6-0, 6-1 thrashing at Indian Wells two months later. Sabalenka has a 35-2 record in Australia since the start of 2023, making her the favorite to win this contest.
Pick: Sabalenka to win in straight sets.
#2. Jessica Pegula vs Liudmila Samsonova
Pegula needed three sets to dispatch Anna Kalinskaya and Dayana Yastremska at the Brisbane International. Samsonova, on the other hand, hasn’t dropped a set. The American has a 4-2 advantage over Samsonova in their head-to-head, and hasn’t lost to her on hardcourts. She will be the firm favorite to win yet again. For a more detailed analysis, click here.
Pick: Pegula to win in three sets.
#3. Elena Rybakina vs Karolina Muchova
Rybakina defeated Zhang Shuai and Paula Badosa in straight sets to make the last eight. She also extended her winning streak to 13 matches, dating back to her triumph at last year’s Ningbo Open. Muchova is a talanted player, though the Kazakh’s current form makes it hard to bet against her.
Pick: Rybakina to win in straight sets.
#4. Mirra Andreeva vs Marta Kostyuk
Andreeva fought from a set down to win both of her matches in Brisbane. Kostyuk needed three sets to move past Yulia Putintseva, and then beat Amanda Anisimova 6-4, 6-3 for her first top 10 win in nearly a year. The teenager hasn’t been at her best for a while, thus tipping the scales in Kostyuk’s favor.
Pick: Kostyuk to win in straight sets.
#5. Daniil Medvedev vs Kamil Majchrzak
Medvedev beat Marton Fucsovics and Frances Tiafoe for the loss of five games each. He is the only seeded player left in the Brisbane International draw. Majchrzak capitalized on his second chance as a lucky loser to make it this far. However, Medvedev is likely to end his run based on his current level.
Pick: Medvedev to win in straight sets.
#6. Sebastian Korda vs Alex Michelsen
Korda led Lehecka by a set when the latter retired due to an injury during their second-round contest. Michelsen beat Learner Tien 6-4, 6-2 in the previous round. Both had somewhat similar win-loss record last year, and seem to be in decent form this week. Korda has played at a relatively higher level compared to Michelsen, making him the favorite. For a more detailed preview, click here.
Pick: Korda to win in three sets.
#7. Brandon Nakashima vs Raphael Collignon
Nakashima ousted Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Quentin Halys, while Collignon beat Denis Shapovalov and Grigor Dimitrov. The Belgian has been on a roll, and hasn’t lost a set starting from the qualifying rounds. If he continues to play like this, then he could certainly send Nakashima packing.
Pick: Collignon to win in straight sets.
#8. Aleksandar Kovacevic vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
Kovacevic scored wins over Nick Kyrgios and Cameron Norrie to make it this far, while Mpetshi Perricard did the same with wins over Tommy Paul and Rinky Hijikata. The Frenchman’s serve has bailed him out in the last two rounds. Unless his serving stats take a hit, he shouldn’t be in any danger.
Pick: Mpetshi Perricard to win in three sets.
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