American Taylor Fritz and Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime play their first round matches at the Australian Open in Melbourne as the tournament enters it second day. We have predictions for every day 2 match including Daniil Medvedev and Roberto Bautista Agut’s matches.
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Emil Ruusuvuori
Damian Kust: Emil Ruusvuori isn’t an ideal first-round opponent, that’s for sure. But Felix Auger-Aliassime has performed so well at Wimbledon and the US Open, consistently making deep runs at the Slams. With a confidence boost from the ATP Cup, he’ll be tough to stop again. Auger-Aliassime in 4
Yesh Ginsburg: Auger-Aliassime has a real chance to make a statement here. He can go very deep, or perhaps even win the title. His first opponent is another very good youngster, but the Canadian just has this generation outclassed, at least for now. Auger-Aliassime in 3
Roberto Carballes Baena vs Ricardas Berankis
Damian: Ricardas Berankis won this one very comfortably at the Australian Open two years ago. While it might not be as straightforward, he’s definitely the better player on faster surfaces, owing to his ability to take the ball early. Berankis in 4
Yesh: Berankis is a solid enough player who competes well at big tournaments. Carballes Baena is a relatively strong Spaniard who’s improving, but he’s not at the level of any of his top compatriots yet. Berankis in 5
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Taylor Fritz vs Maximilian Marterer
Damian: Maximilian Marterer is potentially dangerous, but it seems like Taylor Fritz is playing far too well at the moment. The American might be close to finally finding that maiden Grand Slam second week that has eluded him for so long. Fritz in 4
Yesh: Taylor Fritz is slowly but steadily improving, and is now close to a top player. Marterer is solid but rarely puts together impressive performances, especially on big occasions. Fritz in 3
Taro Daniel vs Marcelo Tomas Barrios Vera
Damian: Taro Daniel has been posting excellent numbers on serve since the beginning of the season, including 14 aces in 41 points in the final qualifying round against Salvatore Caruso. With a baseline game like his, more free points can help him take it to a whole new level. Daniel in 4
Yesh: This is a great opportunity for both players, who rarely get to advance to the second round of a Major. Both came through qualifying, but Daniel was more impressive in that tournament, against better players, likes hard courts better, and should win this match. Daniel in 4
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