The second week of the 2019 Australian Open kicks off with Rafael Nadal vs Tomas Berdych, and Roger Federer, Marin Cilic, and Grigor Dimitrov all looking to avoid upsets in the round of 16. Our panelists break down all the action.
Marin Cilic vs Roberto Bautista Agut
Steen Kirby: RBA is playing really well right now but fatigue will be a factor. Cilic is well suited for this tournament and if he can maintain a high level and his focus he will find a way to reach the quarters. Cilic in 4
Yesh Ginsburg: Cilic has struggled at times, but when his game is on, it’s tough to beat. Bautista-Agut, meanwhile, has beaten all challengers, and in different ways. The tank has to be running low for him, but it’s hard to pick against him right now. Bautista-Agut in 5
Roger Federer vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
Steen: It’s been easy going for Federer so far but Tsitsipas played him competitively at the Hopman Cup and this match could turn into a good one if the Greek brings his best tennis to bear against the legend. Federer should edge this match and get a tough win. Federer in 4
Yesh: Federer has been cool and methodical this tournament. He’s not blasting the ball with the power he once had, but he is clinical and precise in just about every match. He might be vulnerable if he doesn’t up his level in the later rounds, but he should still easily win for now. Federer in 3
Grigor Dimitrov vs Frances Tiafoe
Steen: Tiafoe is playing the best tennis of his career and Dimitrov is far from reliable these days. I’ll go with an upset and back the young American to earn a second quality win after the upset against Kevin Anderson. Tiafoe in 5
Yesh: Dimitrov has very quietly been playing really well so far. Tiafoe, meanwhile, is having the tournament of his life. The young American will make this a challenge, but ultimately Dimitrov is just too good. Dimitrov in 4
Rafael Nadal vs Tomas Berdych
Steen: Both players are in excellent form and this should be a good contest. Berdych has the game to beat Nadal on this surface but mentally he struggles against elite players so you have to figure Nadal will find a way to win and reach the quarterfinals. Nadal in 4
Yesh: Berdych is rolling back the clock and it is awesome. He’s playing like he once could, and his groundstrokes are just overpowering. Nadal is serving better than we have seen from him in almost a decade, but this match has upset written all over it. Berdych in 4
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