The 2019 Australian Open round of 16 will conclude with Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev seeking quarterfinal berths. Our panelists break down all the action.
Novak Djokovic vs Daniil Medvedev
Steen Kirby: Medvedev is in red hot form but defeating Djokovic is a herculean task and I’m not sold he’s up for it. Shapovalov chipped into Djokovic’s glass ceiling in the last match but Novak found another level to shut the door before things get out of hand. Medvedev will keep it competitive but I doubt he wins. Djokovic in 3
Dave Adair: In the 2017 Davis Cup, a rawly talented Medvedev had Djokovic on the ropes. Taking the first set by reading the Serb’s serve and getting the ball back in play. Before injury set in – forcing Medvedev to retire when 2-1 in sets down. Medvedev has grown and matured a great deal since then. If there is to be a NextGen’v old master victory this round, then this match-up could well provide it. Medvedev in 5
Tracey Essex: Medvedev will be able to frustrate Djokovic with his serve and his ability to use the whole court. Yet, it won’t be enough to win the match. Against Shapovalov, Djokovic played a loose third set that got away from him, only to come back and take the fourth set in just 26 minutes. Djokovic has another level he hasn’t yet had to pull out. He’ll do it against Medvedev – if he has to – though I doubt he will. Djokovic in 3
Pablo Carreno Busta vs Kei Nishikori
Steen: Nishikori should find himself here as he hits the business end of the tournament. PCB is a solid player and would love a quarterfinal result, but Nishikori is the better all arounder between them. Nishikori in 4
David: Nishikori has been a bit of an enigma this tournament, looking labored in the first two rounds. However, he came alive against Sousa and should have too much for the Spaniard. Nishikori in 4
Tracey: Carreno Busta No doubt Pablo Carreno Busta is an accomplished player. He’s earned his place in the Round of 16. But, with his service struggles, I think he’s gone as far as he can. Coming off his Brisband International win, Kei Nishikori’s shown a smoking hot return of serve. Combine that with a forehand that’s has been firing, generating more than 20 winners, and we will see the Japanese Superstar take this match in straight sets. Nishikori in 3
Borna Coric vs Lucas Pouille
Steen: I like Coric’s form here. Pouille has impressed as he was in terrible shape heading into this tournament, however, Coric is also playing well and he’s the better player all things considered. Coric in 3
David: Borna Coric is sliding under the radar a little. He is just one win away from beating his best ever Slam performance (round 4 US Open 2018). Slam performance haas clearly been his focus in the off-season. It’s difficult to see the French man causing Coric too many problems, especially after coming through a grueling five setter in the last round. Coric in 4
Tracey: The Croatian superstar has been in outstanding form, hitting the ball cleanly. With all his recent success, Coric should be very confident and ready to move onto the quarterfinals. Pouille has had a magnificent run, but against a higher ranked and higher skill player in the form of Coric, his dream run will come to an end. Coric in 4
Alexander Zverev vs Milos Raonic
Steen: Both players have been (mostly) solid this tournament and this is a clash of two highly talented players who can reach an elite level. Raonic’s serve will keep him in the match, while Zverev has enough of a return game to get breaks and win the match regardless. I’ll back Zverev to fight off his mental demons and rise to a win. Zverev in 4
David:A ferocious serving battle awaits. Raonic is building fitness nicely. Wimbledon may ultimately be his best shot at Slam success, but there is ever chance he can overcome Zverev here. Raonic in 5
Tracey: Winning over 80% on his first serve and dominating tiebreaks, Canadian Milos Raonic will be hard (if not impossible) to beat. Combine that with the fact that Zverev historically comes up short against the game’s biggest players, Raonic should be showing up in the quarterfinals. If by some chance Zverev finds the consistency and talent that’s there, it’ll take Raonic five to win but Zverev won’t quell his critics during this Slam. Raonic in 5
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