Day five at the Australian Open saw the tournament roar into life, with Caroline Wozniacki’s distinguished career ending in defeat at the hands of Ons Jabeur, Serena Williams and Stefanos Tsitsipas also crashing out whilst Roger Federer survived by the barest of margins against John Millman.
On day six, the top half of the men’s draw are set to battle for a place in the last 16 and as ever we here at Last Word on Tennis are offering our predictions across the board, including for the all-Spanish clash between Rafael Nadal and Pablo Carreno Busta. Giving their picks for this slate of matches are Jim Smith and Yesh Ginsburg. But who will advance?
Australian Open Day 6 Predictions
Karen Khachanov vs Nick Kyrgios
Jim: Karen Khachanov has not made a particularly convincing start in Melbourne and he needed a final-set tiebreak to beat Mikael Ymer. Nick Kyrgios, in contrast, has looked determined to make a real impact at his home Slam this year and his four-set victory over Gilles Simon was a statement win. Expect him to pick up another at the Russian’s expense here.
Prediction: Kyrgios in 4
Yesh: Kyrgios looks cool and focused. Maybe it was the ATP Cup, the catastrophic bushfires, maybe it was something personal, or it could be something else, but the mercurial Australian seems finally ready to live up to his considerable potential. Let’s see how far he goes, against a good opponent who has struggled a bit this tournament.
Prediction: Kyrgios in 4
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Dominic Thiem vs Taylor Fritz
Jim: Taylor Fritz played a great match to get the better of Kevin Anderson, rallying from two-sets down to beat the South African in five. Dominic Thiem too was extended to five sets by the industrious Alex Bolt, although his problems in that match were largely of his own making. He can ill-afford a repeat of that level against Fritz, but if he sharpens up, he should be able to overpower the American.
Prediction: Thiem in 4
Yesh: After a great 2019, Thiem has not really played well so far at the Australian Open, but Fritz just went through a grueling five-setter. It’s hard to imagine that the American has much left in the tank.
Prediction: Thiem in 4
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John Isner vs Stan Wawrinka
Jim: This is perhaps the most intriguing men’s match of day six, one both men will be desperate to win. Stan Wawrinka was given a real test by Andreas Seppi in the second round, one he did well to pass, but John Isner seems to present an imposing challenge. The American has looked in good touch so far in Melbourne, with his serve almost unplayable. He has also won three of his four meetings with Wawrinka. Expect him to extend that head-to-head advantage, albeit only after a battle.
Prediction: Isner in 5
Yesh: Isner is playing really well right now. His serve is all but unbreakable, and he’s being aggressive on return. A top-level Wawrinka would probably win this easily, but the Swiss isn’t back at his best yet, if indeed he ever will be again.
Prediction: Isner in 4
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Fernando Verdasco vs Alexander Zverev
Jim: It is a testament to the severity of his recent struggles that seventh seed Alexander Zverev winning two matches in straight-sets in a row is considered such sterling progress. But he may well need to be at his very best when he takes on Fernando Verdasco. The Spaniard has caused Zverev real problems in the past, famously beating him in the first round at the French Open. If Verdasco’s big forehand starts to fire, Zverev could well find himself in trouble again.
Prediction: Verdasco in 4
Yesh: Zverev has made his way to this round without expending too much energy, but he hasn’t looked near his best. After a disastrous ATP Cup, I have to go with Verdasco, who is playing well right now.
Prediction: Verdasco in 4
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