Dan Evans has a tough round 1 match with David Goffin ahead, while Jannik Sinner looks to get off to a winning Australian Open start. We have predictions for every day 2 Australian Open match including Marin Cilic and Casper Ruud’s matches.
Jannik Sinner vs Joao Sousa
Damian Kust: Can Jannik Sinner be a true contender for a Grand Slam already? Regardless of the answer, in the form that he’s in, even a slightly rejuvenated Joao Sousa shouldn’t pose that much trouble. Sinner in 3
Anish Joshi: The 20-year-old Italian Prodigy has shaped up as a supreme force on hard courts. In his three matches this year at the ATP Cup, Jannik Sinner hasn’t dropped a single set. Add to that, two hard court titles towards the end of the last season. Joao Sousa enters the draw as a lucky loser. However, it looks like he will be unable to capitalize on the opportunity here. Sinner in 3
Benoit Paire vs Thiago Monteiro
Damian: Benoit Paire is obviously the better hard-court player, but with the Frenchman on a losing streak and even more on edge than usually, any outcome is possible. Thiago Monteiro will be solid and keep a steady level, maybe that’s enough most of the time. Monteiro in 5
Anish: Thiago Monteiro has established himself as a consistent performer on clay. His recent performance in the two Adelaide ATPs was decent, and his last years exploits in Australia might give the extra confidence. Benoit Paire is coming into the match on the back of a 7-match losing streak, with only two wins from his last 12 matches. It looks likely that the nightmarish run will continue for Paire. However, a five sets is a completely different game, and the mentally tougher player will prevail. Monteiro in 4
Dan Evans vs David Goffin
Damian: David Goffin’s fitness is under a question mark following an injury sustained in his Sydney quarterfinal against Andy Murray. Meanwhile, Dan Evans started the year extremely well with five wins in six matches. Evans in 3
Anish: Evans had a mixed season in 2021, with some exceptional performances sprinkled in between. On the face of it, this season is looking a lot better already, with Evans raking up 5 straight-set wins against quality players in the AO warmup events. I expect him to ride on his form and have a nice run here. Goffin won two matches at the Sydney ATP, first win after 8 months. In spite of his poor patch though, I give him a set due to the experience he has on the big stage. Evans in 4
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Christopher O’Connell vs Hugo Gaston
Damian: Hugo Gaston’s career on the main tour will likely be a rollercoaster. With no sustainable weapons once forced to defend, this is a tough match for him to win against someone who will have the crowd behind him. O’Connell in 5
Anish: Hugo Gaston is, no doubt, a great player on clay, deserving of the #67 world ranking. However, his performances on hard courts haven’t been as good. Christopher O’Connell plays the main draw here after receiving a wildcard entry. The Aussie has given some spectacular performances on hard courts last year. The crucial home support might give him the extra push when needed and he may be able to capitalize on the opportunity, which has been given to him for the fourth time. O’Connell in 5
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