We wrap up the third round of the men’s singles on Day 3 of the Australian Open. Who will punch their tickets to the second week? Our writers share their thoughts on all eight of Saturday’s matches–split between this and a separate article. Predicting the Day 7 matches are Jordan Reynolds, Tope Oke, and Damian Kust. Who do you think will advance?
Australian Open Day 7 Men’s Predictions
Casper Ruud vs Cameron Norrie
Jordan:
This has the potential to be a real grind. Both men came through in five sets in the last round, but there will still be many long rallies. Ruud gets the edge overall. His backhand can better handle Norrie’s heavy topspin forehand in comparison to Ruud’s forehand into Norrie’s backhand.
Prediction: Ruud in 4
Tope:
Cameron Norrie has upped his gear since landing in Australia and he’s looking like the player we all know. He was a bit lucky against Giulio Zeppieri in the previous round but so was his opponent Caper Ruud in overcoming Max Purcell. This will go down to the wire and I’ll back the Brit to show enough resilience to get over the line.
Prediction: Norrie in 5
Damian:
Norrie had one shot to defeat Giulio Zeppieri–outlast him–and he took it. Ruud also needed five sets in a high-quality match with Max Purcell. The Norwegian has begun the season on a high note and seems to be finding the courts in Australia more to his liking than last year. This will get physical, but one player seems to have a lot more fire in his game at the moment.
Prediction: Ruud in 4
Tallon Griekspoor vs Arthur Cazaux
Jordan:
Both men played two of the best matches of their careers in the last round. Griekspoor against Arthur Fils and Cazaux against Holger Rune. It is a hard one to call, but I am going with Griekspoor. He is the more experienced player, and may refocus better after a big win than the Frenchman.
Prediction: Griekspoor in 4
Tope:
Very few expected these two to make it this far but they’ve upset the apple carts to setup what promises to be an entertaining match. This is probably the toughest match to call but I’ll go with the more experienced Dutchman to end Cazaux’s seven-match unbeaten run this year.
Prediction: Griekspoor in 5
Damian:
Cazaux scored the biggest win of his life over Holger Rune in Round 2 and now gets to play a fairly doable opponent. The thing is if Griekspoor recovers well physically from two matches against some of the most unseeded threats in the draw (Roman Safiullin, Arthur Fils), his serve and weight of shot might provide him with a solid set of skills to keep Cazaux from closing down the net.
Prediction: Griekspoor in 5
Grigor Dimitrov vs Nuno Borges
Jordan:
Dimitrov’s victory against Thanasi Kokkinakis was underrated in how impressive it was. A match like that against an opponent backed by a raucous home crowd has often been a struggle for the Bulgarian, but mentally he has been so much stronger in the last 12 months. Borges was impressive against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, but I think a rejuvenated Dimitrov will be too steep an obstacle for the Spaniard.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
Tope:
I’ve been keenly following Nuno Borges in Melbourne as he’s been playing some brilliant tennis since the turn of the year. Not entirely surprised that he demolished Alejandro Fokina in straight sets to make it a 100% record here in Melbourne. He is up against a player who’s in equally tremendous form and who I think will go all the way here Down Under. Give me the Bulgarian to wrap this up quickly.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 4
Damian:
This is shaping up pretty nicely for Dimitrov. He’s defeated his first two tricky opponents in easy enough style and now doesn’t need to face Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. It’s been a great run for Borges, but now he faces a player who won’t be afraid to wait out his hitting with the slice and has been playing with so much confidence of late.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
Carlos Alcaraz vs Juncheng Shang
Jordan:
The World No. 2 has not been at his very best in the opening two matches, but that is not a major concern. In fact, it may actually be good that he does not peak too early. It has already been a great run for Shang and he can play with freedom. But he does not have the weapons to hurt Alcaraz.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Tope:
Shang Juncheng has had a blistering start to the year and he’ll certainly break into the Top 100 at some point this season. However, this is as far as it goes for him in Melbourne. He’s been playing some amazing tennis but so has the World #2.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Damian:
First time Alcaraz faces a younger player in his professional career and what an exciting matchup that should be. Shang has made a massive leap with the start of the year, both quality-wise and physically. Hurting the World No. 2 in the long run might be tough for him with the lack of a more steady pace/depth combination, but his feel is incredible and he’s a special talent himself.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
