The style clash of John Isner vs Adrian Mannario is an intriguing matchup on day 2 of the Australian Open. Our panelists offer their predictions for that match, and every day 2 match in Melbourne, with Last Word on Tennis providing complete tournament coverage.
Diego Schwartzman vs Oleksii Krutykh
Damian Kust: Schwartzman got injured in his last match vs Brooksby and has suffered a rapid decline in the latter half of 2022. Krutykh can actually take this, although we’ll see if nerves don’t get the better of him. He’s hardly the most dangerous qualifier, so this is only based on the Argentinan having a rough patch. Krutykh in 5
Shane Black: Diego Schwartzman is 0-8 in matches dating back to the 2022 US Open. His opponent, Oleksii Krutykh, won three qualifying matches in the past week. He came back from a set down to take out Denis Kudla, a win that should give him a lot of confidence. Schwartzman’s health is a question, and Krutykh is in form. I am going with the upset here. Krutykh in 5
Yesh Ginsburg: Schwartzman might be past his prime, and his 2022 was certainly not the best year of his career, but he should have zero problems with this draw. This won’t be close. Schwartzman in 3
John Isner vs Adrian Mannarino
Damian: It feels like Mannarino could trouble Isner and make him bend the knees with his flat strokes, but the head-to-head is shockingly lop-sided. I’ll still go with my gut and say that this is a good chance for the Frenchman to grab a first non- retirement win over the American. Mannarino in 5
Shane: John Isner may be competing in his last Australian Open. The 37-year-old American is slowing down and has won just one match since the 2022 US Open. That said, Adrian Mannarino is not a guy who is going to run Isner all over the court. I expect the American to take advantage of the slick surface with his monstrous serve. Isner in 4
Yesh: Isner’s serve is still what it always was. The ground game has lost a beat over the years, though it’s still better than the tall American is usually given credit for. It’s also still very frustrating to face him over five sets. Isner in 4
David Goffin vs Laurent Lokoli
Damian: Lokoli is on fire right now, but the real question is whether his game is explosive enough to fare well on the ATP Tour. Probably not, although Goffin is not at his strongest right now and a tight match doesn’t seem impossible. Goffin in 4
Shane: David Goffin, a 2017 quarterfinalist in Melbourne, had an up-and-down 2022 season but should be feeling a bit better after a few wins in Auckland last week. Laurent Lokoli has won seven of his eight matches this year, but I do not believe he has the weapons to beat Goffin. Goffin in 4
Yesh: Goffin looked like a Futures-level player at times last year, and also looked like his usual Top 30 self. What will we get this Slam season? Let’s assume, for now, it will be a better one. Goffin in 3
Juan Pablo Varillas vs Alexander Zverev
Damian: Zverev is still vulnerable right now, but not that vulnerable. Varillas has never defeated a top 200 player on hard courts and was easily taken down by the only one he faced in the qualifying. Zverev in 3
Shane: Alexander Zverev has looked up and down in his matches since returning from his ankle injury. That said, he should be able to control this match against Juan Pablo Varillas with his baseline power and serve. Zverev in 3
Yesh: Zverev is a top player, though he hasn’t played an official match since his devastating injury at last year’s French Open. I expect some rust, but this is a fine draw to start back with. Zverev in 3
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