Day 3 signals the beginning of the second round of the Australian Open. Only 64 men remain standing in contention for the title. 32 of them will compete on Wednesday, and we’re going to predict all of their matches for you. The 16 matches are split between this and three other articles, featuring Nick Kyrgios vs Ugo Humbert, Stan Wawrinka vs Marton Fucsovics, and Dominic Thiem vs Dominik Koepfer. Predicting this set of matches is Jim Smith, Steen Kirby, and Harsh Bhoot.
Australian Open Day 3 Men’s Predictions
Pedro Martinez vs Emil Ruusuvuori
Jim:
Of this pair, there is no doubt that it is Ruusuvuori who has the greater upside, with the Finn possessing a remarkable ability to absorb power before striking back with a punishing blow of his own. The question is: does he have enough left in his legs to win? That’s uncertain, but this early in the season he should just about be able to get through the Spaniard.
Prediction: Ruusuvuori in 4
Steen:
A win over Gael Monfils is an impressive result for Ruusuvuori and he has a 2-0 h2h against Martinez. If he can recover, he’ll win this and post a big result for his career with a third round in the AO.
Prediction: Ruusuvuori in 4
Harsh:
This should be a fascinating contest between two upcoming players. They are right next to each other in the rankings at #86 and #87. Extremely tough one to call but the way Russuvuori played in the fifth set against a top ten player should give a lot of confidence and that should help him to just edge past the talented Pedro Martinez.
Prediction: Ruusuvuori in 4
Grigor Dimitrov vs Alex Bolt
Jim:
Bolt performs reliably well at Melbourne Park, but the Australian, although industrious and consistent from the baseline, lacks the sort of weaponry to take on and beat the game’s best. Dimitrov’s game is not without flaws, but he’s a top 20 player for a reason and should prove too strong for Bolt.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 4
Steen:
Dimitrov has been good lately, he eased past Marin Cilic in round 1. Bolt is at home and will give it his all, but Dimitrov is the safe pick.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
Harsh:
Grigor Dimitrov made a solid start to his Australian Open campaign, taking out Marin Cilic in straight sets. He now faces Alex Bolt, who on current form may not be very easy to beat. The Australian notched up two good wins in the warm up tournament in Melbourne before losing to Stan Wawrinka in a third set tiebreak. That being said, Dimitrov’s game is definitely more consistent and varied. Expect entertaining rallies and good serving from both with the Bulgarian progressing through.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 4
Jiri Vesely vs Pablo Carreno Busta
Jim:
Vesely is invariably a dangerous opponent, particularly on faster surfaces where his big serve and forehand combination can be lethal. But Carreno Busta covers the court superbly and can do damage of his own, particularly with his backhand down the line. This will be a real test for him, but one he should pass.
Prediction: Carreno Busta in 4
Steen:
PCB was rock solid against Kei Nishikori. Vesely will be tired from a five setter in the previous round. This should be routine.
Prediction: Carreno Busta in 3
Harsh:
Pablo Carreno Busta notched up a great win against Kei Nishikori and the Spaniard will seek to continue his Grand Slam form of last year. Jiri Vesely made a strong start to 2021 reaching the quarter-finals a week back in Melbourne. Vesely’s major weapon is his serve, and on the back of that he may win a set but Carreno Busta’s solid baseline play should shine through eventually.
Prediction: Carreno Busta in 4
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Novak Djokovic vs Frances Tiafoe
Jim:
Djokovic has begun this season as though he means business and whilst Tiafoe is a fine player, if Djokovic is focused and at his best, the American simply does not have the skillset or the weaponry to really hurt the eight-time champion.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Steen:
A big opportunity for Tiafoe, but you can’t fairly predict anything other than straight sets for Djokovic. If he’s fit, he’s the the tournament favourite for a reason.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Harsh:
Frances Tiafoe faces one of the toughest tasks that ever existed in tennis. The American looked good in the last couple of sets in his first round, but Novak Djokovic looked in sublime touch. The Serb didn’t even have to save a single break point on his serve. While Tiafoe should provide a slightly sterner test than Jeremy Chardy, the American clearly lacks the firepower to punch through Djokovic. Expect a routine win for Djokovic.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
