The Australian Open second round of men’s singles finishes on Day 5. 16 matches are on the slate as players look to move into Round 3. Which players have the advantage on Day 5? As always, our writers here at LWOT share their thoughts. We split the day’s matches between this and three other articles. Those articles feature Carlos Alcaraz vs Lorenzo Sonego, Alexander Zverev vs Lukas Klein, and Daniil Medvedev vs Emil Ruusuvuori. Predicting these matches are Jack Edward, Damian Kust, and Jordan Reynolds.
Australian Open Day 5 Men’s Predictions
Hubert Hurkacz vs Jakub Mensik
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Jack:
Jakub Mensik’s ascent up the rankings doesn’t stop outside the top 100. He has some fearsome weaponry that make him a real threat on a quick hard court, surely leaving him destined for a place in the top 50 at the very least. Hurkacz will likely struggle—he’s played 49 matches at the majors and won 27 of them. I’m backing the upset.
Prediction: Mensik in 5
Damian:
Mensik was compared to Hurkacz a little bit as a junior and while their body types and footwork style have stayed similar, after the cannon serve the Czech is able to stay so much more aggressive off the ground. He’s the real deal and in a serve-based contest, there’s less of a chance of his inexperience being a major factor. This will be tight as nails.
Prediction: Mensik in 5
Jordan:
Mensik played well against Denis Shapovalov, although the Canadian was far below his best so soon into his comeback from injury. The fast conditions in Melbourne suit Hurkacz well. Expect him to hold his serve consistently and capitalize enough times on return to win.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
Cameron Norrie vs Giulio Zeppieri
Head-to-Head: Norrie 0-1 Zeppieri
Jack:
This a tougher round than it appears for Norrie against the huge hitting qualifier, Guilio Zeppieri. The depth of experience and trust in his game on this surface will serve the Brit well here, however. He should know how to withstand everything Zeppieri throws at him.
Prediction: Norrie in 3.
Damian:
Zeppieri loves these courts and he’s been blasting the cover off the ball with the forehand so far. This is a match where Norrie will have no chance but to try outlasting him and surviving against the power of the Italian. He’s well-equipped for that and maybe just pulls it off, especially if Zeppieri gets tight.
Prediction: Norrie in 5
Jordan:
The big-serving Zeppieri thrived on the fast courts at the Australian Open in round one, and this is a challenge for Norrie. The Brit’s dogged style may just put enough balls into court to prevail against the Italian. But I am expecting this to be a lot closer then many will be expecting. It could go to 5.
Prediction: Norrie in 5
Jiri Lehecka vs Alex Michelsen
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Jack:
I predicted a tough match for Lehecka in the first round and was proven completely wrong. The Czech dispatched Zapata Miralles drawing on all the momentum he gained in Adelaide. Michelsen shouldn’t be a problem for the world #23 at this rate.
Prediction: Lehecka in 3
Damian:
Michelsen had a disappointing campaign at the Next Gen Finals, but the early days of his season are already much more promising. He won’t be the favorite here though. Lehecka made the quarters last year, won Adelaide last week, and with the easy round one he should have enough rest to hold up physically.
Prediction: Lehecka in 4
Jordan:
A clash between two young stars who impressed in the opening round. But I am backing the recent Adelaide champion Lehecka. Both players hit powerfully from the baseline, but I feel the seeded Czech is a little more solid all-round with his game. There will undoubtedly be flashes of brilliance from Michelsen, though.
Prediction: Lehecka in 4
Holger Rune vs Arthur Cazaux
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Jack:
Rune’s tendency to be indecisive between playing aggressive or passive will probably see him in another complicated situation against Arthur Cazaux. So long as he’s physically fine, the young gun seems to play his best tennis when his back’s against the wall. No matter the shifts in momentum, he should come through.
Prediction: Rune in 4
Damian:
Cazaux looks like he’s about to have a much stronger season than in 2023. He’s been able to take over points so easily, even when the serve isn’t exactly setting him up for it. The Frenchman should prove dangerous to Rune, but a little like in the opening round we’re probably expecting the all-rounded Dane to prove victorious in the end.
Prediction: Rune in 4
Jordan:
Rune’s win in four sets against Nishioka may have been the perfect match for him. There were a lot of rallies, and it will help the Dane play himself into form. He is likely to overcome Cazaux, who could be slightly fatigued after his five-set victory against Laslo Djere.
Prediction: Rune in 4
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
