Andy Murray vs Nikoloz Basilashvili is a major clash on day 2 of the Australian Open, qualifiers also face off with Skatov vs Nobert Gombos. Our panelists have predictions for every day 2 match including Dan Evans and Stefanos Tsitsipas’ matches.
Andy Murray vs Nikoloz Basilashvili
Damian Kust: Andy Murray is coming off a final in Sydney and playing at a very decent level at the moment. The Brit should be able to capitalize on a good patch with another win against Nikoloz Basilashvili, whom he defeated in a thriller to start off that run last week. Murray in 4
Anish Joshi: After his exceptional performance at the Sydney ATP last week, it is hard to see Murray losing in the first round. It will be tough for him to battle against a much younger Basilashvili in case of a five setter. However, Murray showed us at the US Open last year that he still has it in him. Murray in 5
Timofey Skatov vs Norbert Gombos
Damian: A battle of the qualifiers that seems considerably even. Timofey Skatov has been hitting his forehand more aggressively than ever and it could allow him to have a very good shot here, combined with the defensive abilities. Norbert Gombos just cannot keep up a steady level, you never know what to expect. Skatov in 5
Anish: Timofey Skatov cruised though the qualifying rounds without dropping a set. It is some achievement for a player who recently got destroyed 6-0, 6-1 just a week before. Norbert Gombos, also a qualifier, had three tough back-to-back matches in the qualies. However, we must note that he faced much better ranked players, and also has an edge in the best-of-five-sets format. Gombos in 4
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Alex Bolt vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Damian: It doesn’t have to be as straightforward as it sounds. While Alex Bolt is clearly out of form, the Australian has played very well at this tournament in the past. With both players winless in 2022 so far, this could get messy. Davidovich Fokina in 5
Anish: Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, essentially a clay specialist, didn’t perform very well on hard courts last year. His percentage tennis is not suited to the faster surfaces, though he can manage to grind through. Alex Bolt plays the main draw of the Australian Open, courtesy a third straight wildcard in his third tournament this season. He hasn’t won a set this year, and there is a high chance that it will continue to be so. Davidovich Fokina in 3
Tomas Machac vs Juan Manuel Cerundolo
Damian: Should be smooth-sailing for the Czech, who’s currently 8-0 for the season. Juan Manuel Cerundolo can’t figure out how to translate his game to faster conditions yet. Machac in 3
Anish: Tomas Machac, the big serving Czech is on a winning streak of 10 matches. After two good Davis Cup wins, Machac just dropped two sets on his way to the the Traralgon Challenger title, and then blasted his way through the qualifying rounds to book a spot in the main draw. Juan Manuel Cerundolo, on the other hand, isn’t having a very good time on court. His performances have mostly come on clay, and it is unlikely that he will be able to beat a red-hot Machac here. Machac in 3
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