The second round of the Australian Open kicks off on Day 4 with 16 men’s singles matches. Carlos Alcaraz, hunting for the career Grand Slam, squares off against Yoshihito Nishioka. Our other prediction sets feature Novak Djokovic vs Jaime Faria, Casper Ruud vs Jakub Mensik and Kei Nishikori vs Tommy Paul. Predicting these matches are Damian Kust, Ateet Shrivastava and Steen Kirby. Who do you think will advance?
Australian Open Day 4 Men’s Predictions
Sebastian Korda vs Aleksandar Vukic
Damian
Korda’s abdominal issue was still bothering him against Klein and he only won five points to the Slovak’s 25 in the second set. But he was able to prevail anyway and somehow this is looking like another encounter he might take even while not 100%. Vukic can provide adversity but ultimately Korda is still the favorite if his situation won’t get any worse.
Prediction: Korda in 4
Ateet
Korda had a tough spot in the first round against a dangerous opponent and a short turnaround after playing the final in Adelaide two days ago. He passed the test with flying colours and won his match in four sets. Vukic is coming off a five-setter and although he has troubled Korda in the past, I don’t see him keeping a consistent level to win three sets.
Prediction: Korda in 4
Steen
Korda continued his good form with a round 1 win, the home player Vukic needed five sets to get past the first round. Vukic will get support and he did show improvement last year on tour, but he’s never made it to the third round at the AO and I don’t think that changes now.
Prediction: Korda in 4
Roberto Carballes Baena vs James Duckworth
Damian
This is incredibly tough to call. Even on a court like this, Carballes Baena isn’t to be underestimated with his often overlooked flat serve down the T and great consistency. Duckworth took apart Stricker in three sets though and maybe the home crowd factor can be helpful in a battle of such fine margins.
Prediction: Duckworth in 5
Ateet
Roberto Carballes Baena is in good form and made the most out of it against Alejandro Tabilo in the first round. James Duckworth was even more impressive in his straight-sets win over Dominic Striker. Neither player has gone past the second round at the Australian Open before so this is a golden opportunity for them. I have the Australian as a slight favourite in this one.
Prediction: Duckworth in 5
Steen
RCB is playing well but much prefers clay, his record at the AO is quite poor, while the veteran Duckworth has a real chance to reach his first ever third round at his home slam. I’ll back the upset ranking wise, as Duckworth fights his hardest under the Melbourne sun.
Prediction: Duckworth in 5
Jiri Lehecka vs Hugo Gaston
Damian
Lehecka wasn’t perfect in the opening round, but it’s getting even clearer (after Dimitrov’s withdrawal) that this event is a wonderful opportunity for him. Gaston has that tricky style which can often make you a little bit uncomfortable. Yet ultimately, the quality gap here should be too much and Lehecka loves these courts.
Prediction: Lehecka in 4
Ateet
Lehecka continued his great form in the first round and has now won six consecutive matches. Hugo Gaston is a tricky player and will give different looks to Lehecka but he doesn’t have a big serve to get enough free points and Lehecka’s power will also be a factor.
Prediction: Lehecka in 4
Steen
Lehecka won Brisbane and was at his best last season, Gaston is a bit of a journeyman, he’s capable, but Lehecka should be able to blitz past him based on current form.
Prediction: Lehecka in 3
Carlos Alcaraz vs Yoshihito Nishioka
Damian
Alcaraz had a tricky second set against Shevchenko, but that was mostly self-induced. It won’t be a while before we learn what his form going into this event is truly like. Nishioka can be a dangerous opponent with his lefty counter-punching and will extract some errors from the No. 3 seed. But in the best of five format the upset looks so unlikely.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Ateet
Alcaraz got the job done quite easily in the first round and as always, played some great shots. Yoshihito Nishioka is a fighter and will give his best but he doesn’t have the weapons to trouble Alcaraz.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Steen
Nishioka is a respectable ATP Tour player but Alcaraz has a lot more weapons and will be looking to get through this match quickly against the counter puncher.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
