The 2019 Australian Open third round is underway with Rafael Nadal vs Alex De Minaur as the featured match on day 5. Roger Federer and Stefanos Tsitsipas will also be tested as they look to make the second week of the tournament.
Roberto Bautista Agut vs Karen Khachanov
Eric Han: Bautista Agut has played two tough back-to-back five-setters so far, and has a 2-1 head-to-head advantage over Khachanov. Guts says Khachanov as I am not sure Bautista-Agut is able to recover and play a high level after two back-to-back gruelling matches previously. Khachanov in 4
Yesh Ginsburg: Bautista-Agut had a draining match on Tuesday, both emotionally and physically. He usually plays well enough to deal with a player like Khachanov, but he won’t after the first two matches he’s had in Melbourne. Khachanov in 4
Brett Margolies: Khachanov is picking up where he left off, ending last year’s season with a title at the Paris Masters. Bautista Agut is someone who will always make you earn the win, but Khachanov is playing too well right now. Khachanov in 5
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Nikoloz Basilashvili
Eric: On paper, Tsitsipas should win this match as he is the higher ranked player and has been the more consistent player out of the two. However, I can somehow sense Basilashvili winning this match. Basilashvili in 4
Yesh: These two youngsters are future stars and play physical games. This should be quite the match to watch, and I think Tsitsipas just barely has an edge. Tsitsipas in 5
Brett: Tsitsipas has advanced to the round of 32 with back to back 4 set wins. Basilashvili always seems to play well on the big stage at grand slams but hasn’t played his best so far in Melbourne. Tsitsipas in 4
Taylor Fritz vs Roger Federer
Eric: Fritz has never been past the third round at any major. Can he do it for the first time and against one of the greatest players to have ever played the game? Not sure. I do believe Federer should win comfortably. Federer in 3
Yesh: Roger Federer was good enough to win his first two matches here, but he didn’t do anything special in the process. Fritz might be able to pose a little challenge, but Federer just going through the motions is still better than all but a few dozen players who ever lived. Still, Federer needs to raise his level if he wants to win in the latter stages. Federer in 3
Brett: Taylor Fritz is coming off the biggest win of his career over Gael Monfils. Federer, on the other hand, got past Dan Evans but did look vulnerable in the win. I can see Fritz keeping it close for a little bit, but Federer should get through. Federer in 4
Tomas Berdych vs Diego Schwartzman
Eric: Berdych has looked sharp throughout the tournament. On the other hand, Schwartzman played a five-setter in his previous match, so his fitness is a big question mark. I believe Berdych is playing with high confidence at the moment as he reached the final in Doha last week and yet to drop a set here this tournament, and the Czech’s heavy hitting might prove to be too much for the feisty Argentine. Berdych in 3
Yesh: Schwartzman survived Kudla in the second round by the skin of his teeth. Berdych, meanwhile, seems to have found some of his old form. He should blast through this match easily. Berdych in 3
Brett: Berdych is into the round of the 32 without dropping a set. His start to the 2019 season might be the biggest surprise so far on the men’s side. Berdych is a matchup nightmare for Schwartzman who doesn’t have the weapons to compete with him, especially on a hard court. Berdych shouldn’t have any trouble here. Berdych in 3
Rafael Nadal vs Alex De Minaur
Eric: If Alex de Minaur did not go five sets in his previous match, a possible upset would have definitely been on the tables. But after a gruelling five-set match, can Alex’s body still be able to cope with another physical battle? I predict at least 2 tight sets. Nadal in 4
Yesh: The highlight of the night could very well be the upset of the night. Nadal is in good form, but de Minaur is ready to make a statement about his place at the top of the game. It’s hard to pick against Nadal, but this one will be tight. Nadal in 5
Brett: Going into to their first meeting at Wimbledon, I thought de Minaur would be able to keep it close, especially on grass. Now you have the aspect of de Minaur playing in front of his home crowd. That most likely won’t be enough though. The Aussie has been one of the most fun players to watch so far this tournament, but Nadal is playing at a high level right now. Nadal in 3
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