Players who made big breakthroughs last season like Hubert Hurkacz and Tallon Griekspoor will be on court during the second round on day 3 at the Australian Open. Both face crafty veterans as they seek third round berths. We have predictions for every second round match including Rafael Nadal and Tommy Paul’s matches.
Matteo Berrettini vs Stefan Kozlov
Damian Kust: It was a peculiar first-round situation as Matteo Berrettini had to struggle through stomach issues to beat Brandon Nakashima. That should probably be a one-off and if he’s ready for the second round, his power advantage over Stefan Kozlov will let him pull off another victory, this time a bit more straightforward. Berrettini in 3
Jack Edward: For Matteo Berrettini, there is absolutely no shame in dropping a set to Brandon Nakashima at the best of times let alone when you’re feeling a bit under the weather. As the highest seed left in the his quarter, I think Berrettini will grit his teeth and power through no matter the obstacle. Stefan Kozlov is finally making a dent against ATP-level opponents but I doubt he will be prepared for the ferociousness of Berrettini’s game. Berrettini in 3
Hubert Hurkacz vs Adrian Mannarino
Damian: Hubert Hurkacz still hasn’t really performed at the Slams outside Wimbledon and his level in the opening round left a lot more to be desired. Adrian Mannarino’s flat strokes are always tricky to play against and the Frenchman might cause trouble if the Pole won’t force himself to be more aggressive and step out of his comfort zone. Hurkacz in 4
Jack: Hurkacz’s test against Gerasimov in the first-round was a brilliant way to rev up his competitive engines. I’d have been more worried about him playing Mannarino in the first-round but with the Frenchman not quite at his best, Hurkacz should be warmed up enough for their second-round encounter. Hurkacz in 4
Pablo Carreno Busta vs Tallon Griekspoor
Damian: Tallon Griekspoor is on a 29-match win streak, but this is still a massive step up in quality. The Dutchman needs to serve extremely well and keep hitting these big forehands on the run to fight for the win here. Pablo Carreno Busta is the sensible choice, but if Griekspoor plays his best, it could be a classic. Carreno Busta in 5
Jack: Currently ranked #62 in the world, Tallon Griekspoor could be ranked within the top-40 and nobody would bat an eyelid. The Dutch player has the weight of shot required to batter through PCB’s defences. With the courts as quick they are, it’ll be too much for the veteran. Griekspoor in 5
[pickup_prop id=”18808″]
Reilly Opelka vs Dominik Koepfer
Damian: Reilly Opelka will be looking to break into the Australian Open third round for the very first time. His baseline game has been looking very solid recently and he will need it to dispatch an opponent like Dominik Koepfer. This is a potentially unpleasant matchup, but the American remains the favorite. Opelka in 4
Jack: Opelka has gone Super Saiyan in his serving abilities of late. Okay, Kevin Anderson isn’t the best returner in the game but to come through that match dropping seven points on serve is quite the feat (also zero double faults). Oddly enough though, Koepfer came through their last meeting victorious without dropping his own serve. I trust in Opelka’s serving ability but it will come down to the wire. Opelka in 5
Main Photo:
