Felix Auger-Aliassime takes on Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in an exciting second round matchup at the Australian Open. Andy Murray and Taro Daniel are also set to clash. We have predictions for every day 4 match including Marin Cilic and Daniil Medvedev’s matches as our panelists predict who will secure their spot in the third round.
Diego Schwartzman vs Christopher O’Connell
Damian Kust: Diego Schwartzman was seriously struggling with an injury towards the end of his first-round match. If healthy, he almost always takes it, even despite the roaring crowd supporting the Australian. Schwartzman in 4
Johnny Connell: Schwartzman had a cramping episode at the end of his first round match, but seemed to play it down in press afterwards. Assuming the Argentine is physically well he should be far too strong for O’Connell. This is a good matchup for Schwartzman. The Aussie doesn’t have consistent weapons to hurt Schwartzman and is obviously vastly less experienced at this level. Schwartzman will be able to do his thing from the back of the court without much pressure, expect a thrashing here. Schwartzman in 3
Ryan Schick: Many think of Schwartzman as a clay court specialist but he has a great game on hard court and brought it down under, topping Tsitsipas at the ATP Cup. O’Connell is a bit of a journeyman who is playing in the second round of a major for just the second time in his career. Schwartzman will have to face a crowd that will be behind his opponent, but his mental game is strong and he will secure plenty of breaks and make every point difficult as he does, and O’Connell will not have the answers. Schwartzman in 3
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Damian: There’s still a huge contrast between Felix Auger-Aliassime playing well and not feeling it. His first-round featured a lot of both. He’ll need to find more consistency to go far in this event. I expect he should. Auger-Aliassime in 4
Johnny: Auger-Aliassime was far from his best in a five set opening round win over Ruusuvuori. Perhaps the relief from coming through an awkward opening round match will work in the Canadian’s favour. It has otherwise been a good start to the season for Auger-Aliassime as he helped Canada win the ATP Cup. Davidovich Fokina’s recent form is far less impressive, I doubt the Spaniard has the level to significantly push the Canadian at the moment. Expect Auger-Aliassime to be solid enough to overpower Davidovich Fokina without too many issues. Auger-Aliassime in 4
Ryan: Auger-Aliassime had a great start to the season leading Canada to the ATP Cup title, but he will be looking for his first ever individual title to come here in Melbourne. Davidovich Fokina had a massive rise last season, breaking into the top-40 for the first time. He can be dangerous on hard courts, though his game is best suited for the clay. Auger-Aliassime is coming off his first major semifinal at the US Open and finally seems to be poised to be a constant threat among the best in the world. Davidovich Fokina has a big game and is dangerous, but the Canadian has many weapons and will win without too much trouble. Auger-Aliassime in 4
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Grigor Dimitrov vs Benoit Paire
Damian: Grigor Dimitrov let Jiri Lehecka play their first-round match on the Czech’s terms, but stayed solid enough to win. This one should be somewhat similar with the Frenchman having his moments but Dimitrov’s consistency prevailing. Dimitrov in 4
Johnny: A matchup that looks exciting on paper, in reality it should be quite one-sided. Paire has already gone further than expected by winning a single match, another decent effort from him is a bit of a stretch. Dimitrov is playing decent tennis at the moment, he is match-tough and used to the conditions in Melbourne at the moments having been at the venue for a few weeks. Paire will play well for a bit but ultimately Dimitrov’s consistency and versatility should be too much for the Frenchman to handle. Dimitrov in 3
Ryan: Paire is one of the toughest players to predict because it is impossible to know which version of him will show up. Dimitrov is a strong player as shown by his seeding, but he has struggled to play up to the best of his abilities recently. Paire had a miserable 2021 and his first round win snapped a seven match losing streak. Paire will play well early and take advantage of mistakes to pull out a set, but he will give up late in the match once Dimitrov settles in and Dimitrov will cruise to victory. Dimitrov in 4
Andy Murray vs Taro Daniel
Damian: Whether Taro Daniel arrives in this match mentally is a bit of a question mark, but the Japanese is playing the best tennis of his life right now. The serve has improved a lot and his groundstrokes pierce through the court. He could be good enough to take this, really. Daniel in 5
Johnny: Murray came through a trademark battle in the opening round with a gruelling five set win over Nikoloz Basilashvili. Taro Daniel looms as less of a threat to Murray but still has the game to make this a relatively tough one. This is a very different matchup for Murray compared to facing Basilashvili, Daniel loves to grind from the back of the court and will try to make this a physical one. Murray seems to always find himself involved in dramatic matches these days, this could be another one, his experience and extra class and firepower should eventually see him through. Murray in 5
Ryan: Murray continues to defy logic and wins long matches playing physical tennis with everything his body has been through. He reached the final last week in Sydney and managed to pull out a gritty five set win over the 21st-seeded Nikoloz Basilashvili in the first round. Daniel is in good form, winning all three of his qualifying matches and his first round match here in straight sets. Murray is somehow finding some of the player he once was and is looking to be a real danger in the draw. Daniel will simply not have enough to consistently hit winners and get past Murray. Murray in 4
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