The 2nd round of the Australian Open will complete as tournament favorite Novak Djokovic takes on Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and Milos Raonic vs Stan Wawrinka is the feature match. Our panelists break down all the action.
Novak Djokovic vs Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Steen: Both players are big names but this is the world #1 against a player far removed from being an elite contender. Djokovic should ease into the third round. Djokovic in 3
Yesh Ginsburg: Once upon a time, this was a mouth-watering matchup. Now, though, Tsonga is struggling and probably at the end of his career. Djokovic is still a world-beater. Djokovic in 3
Ryan Schick: A matchup that would likely be a semifinal a few years ago. Unfortunately, Tsonga has struggled with injuries. He can still perform at a high level, but not at the level Djokovic is at and the match will be close. Djokovic in 3
Kei Nishikori vs Ivo Karlovic
Steen: Nishikori was getting beaten before his opponent fell apart physically in round 1. Karlovic’s serve is strong and his form is good. Nishikori needs to be on upset alert here and stay focused or he’s likely to fall victim to an upset. Karlovic in 4
Yesh: Nishikori walked about for two sets before turning it on. He can’t afford lapses like that against a server as good as Karlovic. Karlovic in 4
Ryan: The ageless wonder Ivo Karlovic continues to have an unreturnable serve but faces a strong defender in Nishikori. Nishikori was taken to five sets, but that will prove to be a fluke especially after his title in Brisbane. Nishikori in 4
Milos Raonic vs Stan Wawrinka
Steen: Raonic’s serve should put Wawrinka in a challenging position, this will be a fun match but the Canadian has a big advantage and will likely mix in some breaks as well. Raonic in 3
Yesh: Raonic looked solid against an out-of-sorts Kurgios, while Wawrinka was getting beaten by Gulbis before the latter had to retire. In terms of level right now, they’re not close. Raonic in 3
Ryan: Both players did not play all of 2018 due to injuries, but have had success in majors with both men reaching major finals and Stan having three titles. Raonic being in better shape and being younger will give him the fitness to pull out a long battle. Raonic in 5
Max Marterer vs Lucas Pouille
Steen: Pouille has struggled for a few months to find form, but he does have talent and has been a better player in the past. Marterer is a rising player and his form should help him notch a slight upset, especially on this surface. Marterer in 4
Yesh: Neither of these are big names, but both are underrated players and this should be a heck of a match. Pouille is the better player, but I think Marterer can play better on the faster courts. Marterer in 5
Ryan: Pouille though highly ranked has often struggled to make deep runs in majors. However, most of his struggles has been against top opponents. No disrespect to Marterer, but Pouille is the stronger player and will win comfortably. Pouille in 4
Alexander Zverev vs Jeremy Chardy
Steen: Chardy is a capable player but unless Zverev has a serious slip up he should have too strong of an all around game to lose this one. Zverev in 3
Yesh: Zverev struggled early against Bedene but then managed to turn things on in a hurry. Chardy presents a tough challenge and will make him work, but the youngster should be able to sneak by. Zverev in 4
Ryan: Zverev’s struggles at majors have been highly publicized. He gets a somewhat favorable matchup in Chardy who has had a good career but is well past his primed. Sascha will bring his A game in an attempt to get one step closer to only his second major quarterfinal. Zverev in 3
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