We’ve seen some incredible tennis on the first day of the Australian Open, and there’s much more to look forward to on Day 2. 32 men’s matches will be contested on Tuesday, and we’re predicting every single one of them. Predicting this group of matches is Jim Smith, Damian Kust, and myself (Yesh Ginsburg).
Each set of predictions from us looks at four matches. That means the 32 matches will be split between eight articles. The other articles feature Andrey Rublev vs Yannick Hanfmann, Daniil Medvedev vs Vasek Pospisil, Fabio Fognini vs Pierre-Hugues Herbert, Gilles Simon vs Stefanos Tsitsipas, Matteo Berrettini vs Kevin Anderson, Lorenzo Sonego vs Sam Querrey, and Rafael Nadal vs Laslo Djere.
Australian Open Day 2 Men’s Predictions
Dan Evans vs Cameron Norrie
Jim:
A frustrating draw for British tennis fans, but perhaps a welcome one for Dan Evans. The Briton, who is fresh from securing the first title of his career, is clearly enjoying the conditions in Melbourne and his attacking game seems likely to cause Cameron Norrie real problems.
Prediction: Evans in 4
Yesh:
As long as Evans isn’t fatigued, he should win easily. He’s the better player, and he does everything Norrie does just a bit better. Norrie has nothing really to challenge Evans with, so the higher-ranked Brit should cruise.
Prediction: Evans in 3
Damian:
Can tiredness be a factor for Dan Evans here? His last matches were not quite long and the confidence will be at an all-time high after finally capturing his maiden ATP title. Two players with very unusual gamestyles can sometimes result in weird outcomes though.
Prediction: Evans in 4
Tomas Machac vs Mario Vilella Martinez
Jim:
Tomas Machac looks like a player with a bright future, something the Czech Republic could use in the wake of Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek retiring. But of the two qualifiers, it is Mario Vilella Martinez who has looked more at home in Australia. Expect him to be the man to reach the second round.
Prediction: Martinez in 4
Yesh:
Both of these players have future potential, though neither is anywhere near reaching it at the moment. They still have plenty of years to grow. In terms of this matchup, then, I’ll go with the one who played better in qualifiers two weeks ago. But just barely.
Prediction: Martinez in 5
Damian:
Tomas Machac seems like the more dangerous of the qualifiers. The youngster likes faster conditions and should be able to hit through Vilella Martinez, who just doesn’t have as much game to play with.
Prediction: Machac in 4
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Mikael Ymer vs Hubert Hurkacz
Jim:
Jim: One imagines that Hubert Hurkacz will have arrived at the Australian Open with real confidence having made an excellent start to the season. He has admittedly been handed a tough first-round draw in the shape of Mikael Ymer, but he should have enough to get the better of the Swede.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 4
Yesh:
It’s always nice to see either Ymer brother do well. They’re just such great personalities. And it’s awesome that they’ve both qualified for the Main Draw here. Unfortunately, Hurkacz is just more talented and will leave no quarter here.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
Damian:
Hubert Hurkacz started the year with his second career title but he’s yet to face some real top-level opposition. Mikael Ymer’s progress has been quite stale recently and he’s got little weapons to try to force the Pole into defense.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
Alexei Popyrin vs David Goffin
Jim:
The big-hitting Alexei Popyrin reached the third round at the Australian Open in both 2019 and 2020, but he has struggled to establish himself as a regular on the ATP Tour. That being said, he played well-enough last time out to suggest that he could cause David Goffin real problems. But beating the Belgian does look likely to be a step too far for Popyrin.
Prediction: Goffin in 5
Yesh:
Popyrin is a solid player with a bright future, but Goffin is just better. Don’t let the loss last week fool you. The Belgian is in decent form, and any solid form from Goffin should be enough to keep Popyrin at bay.
Prediction: Goffin in 3
Damian:
That was quite an impressive run at the Murray River Open for Alexei Popyrin. With David Goffin’s recent form shaky at best, he could have a slight chance for an upset here. Over best-of-five sets the Belgian should have enough time to prove his superior abilities though.
Prediction: Goffin in 4
Main Photo from Getty.
