We’ll be treated to 20 men’s matches on Day 3 as the Australian Open wraps up its first round. As always, we here at LWOT share our thoughts on all the matches. We split the day’s 20 matches between five articles. In addition to this article, the other four feature Holger Rune vs Yoshihito Nishioka, Casper Ruud vs Albert Ramos-Vinolas, Alexander Zverev vs Dominik Koepfer, and Grigor Dimitrov vs Marton Fucsovics. Predicting these matches are Jack Edward, Jason Fernandes, and Jordan Reynolds.
Australian Open Day 3 Men’s Predictions
Jiri Lehecka vs Bernabe Zapata Miralles
Jack:
It was great to see Jiri Lehecka pick up his first title in Adelaide but five losses in a row preceded five wins in a row so I’m not too enamoured by this inevitable first title. The Czech has so much potential but there’s something about his baseline game that doesn’t make him completely reliable at this stage of his career. I’m expecting a marathon against the persistence of Zapata Miralles.
Prediction: Lehecka in 5
Jason:
On a clay court, the Spaniard might have had a better chance but on a hard court with the Czech coming off the title in Adelaide, it’s hard to see the winning run coming to an end so soon. Lehecka’s game is big and with the forehand he possesses it will be too much for the world #77.
Prediction: Lehecka in 3
Jordan:
Lehecka enters this one after the high of winning his maiden ATP title in Adelaide. Further good news is that Zapata Miralles is most comfortable on clay by far. Difficulty with regaining concentration after the high in Adelaide is Lehecka’s biggest threat here. Otherwise he should progress.
Prediction: Lehecka in 3
Max Purcell vs Mate Valkusz
Jack:
Max Purcell doesn’t have the weapons to make this an easy ride and Valkusz has had plenty of time to warm up in qualifying. I actually wouldn’t be surprised to see the Aussie go out due to lack of momentum.
Prediction: Valkusz in 5
Jason:
The Hungarian ranked outside the world’s top 200 has done very well to qualify for his maiden Grand Slam but this is where his journey ends. Despite the Australian being ranked #45 and his results being disappointing since last August, there’s too much he possesses to see Valkusz claiming the biggest win of his career.
Prediction: Purcell in 3
Jordan:
Valkusz qualifying for the main draw was something of a shock. He is ranked outside the Top 200, and has been most comfortable by far on clay throughout his career. He deserves immense credit for that achievement, but it is still a good draw for Purcell. I expect his strong serving and volleying to take him to the next round.
Prediction: Purcell in 3
Alex Michelsen vs James Mccabe
Jack:
Though he’s only 19 years old, Alex Michelsen will likely bring a far more experienced-looking game into this match against 20-year-old wild card McCabe. The Aussie will swing for the rafters but Michelsen should be able to put up with whatever’s thrown at him.
Prediction: Michelsen in 4
Jason:
One of the stranger wild cards this year, with McCabe ranked #278, receiving one. If his results are anything to go by, he’s far off the level required to beat a Top 100 player. He might pose a threat for a set but it’s hard to see much more here.
Prediction: Michelsen in 3
Jordan:
It has been nearly six months since Michelsen had a shock run to the final on the grass courts of Newport. The 19-year-old has continued toprogress well since then. Australian Wildcard McCabe is ranked outside the Top 200, and is likely to be overpowered by Michelsen. The teenager cracking slightly with a crowd against him is the biggest thing that could stop him.
Prediction: Michelsen in 4
Carlos Alcaraz vs Richard Gasquet
Jack:
This is not a great match-up for Gasquet. Alcaraz can kick high to the one-handed backhand on serve, he’ll come out on top going forehand to forehand and he has the rally temperament to live with the Frenchman’s backhand. This one shouldn’t be too tricky for the World #2.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Jason:
Amazingly the Spaniard has only ever played a handful of matches here but that won’t matter. With the Frenchman long past his best it’s the perfect match for the World #2 to play himself into form in search of his third Major. Gasquet may have a flashy shot or two in him but there won’t be much else.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Jordan:
I have been a big Gasquet fan for many years, and this is probably the most concerned I have ever been before a match. I think even Novak Djokovic would have been a less bad matchup for the French stalwart. An Alcaraz win is inevitable, but I hope it is not a drubbing. In what may be his last Australian Open, Gasquet does not deserve that after what he has given to the sport.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
