Day 3 signals the beginning of the second round of the Australian Open. Only 64 men remain standing in contention for the title. 32 of them will compete on Wednesday, and we’re going to predict all of their matches for you. The 16 matches are split between this and three other articles, featuring Nick Kyrgios vs Ugo Humbert, Novak Djokovic vs Frances Tiafoe, and Dominic Thiem vs Dominik Koepfer. Predicting this set of matches is Jim Smith, Steen Kirby, and Fraser Learmonth.
Australian Open Day 3 Men’s Predictions
Alexander Zverev vs Maxime Cressy
Jim:
Cressy will present Zverev with a largely unfamiliar obstacle, but the American does not have a skillset as well-developed as the serve-volleyers of old. And if Zverev can keep him pinned to the baseline, it won’t be a contest at all.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Steen:
Cressy is happy to just be here. Zverev is shaky in the early rounds of Slams, but he should pull his game together enough to get this done.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Fraser:
Zverev overcame a tough test in the first round against an in form Marcus Giron. The German now faces a somewhat easier challenge in American Maxime Cressy. Cressy did well to beat Taro Daniel and book a place in the second round. However, he simply doesn’t have the quality to live with Zverev, who is one of the best in the men’s game and will have ambitions of another deep Major run.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
James Duckworth vs Felix Auger-Aliassime
Jim:
Duckworth will compete with everything he has here, but unfortunately for the Australian journeyman, he looks certain to be thoroughly outgunned. Auger-Aliassime’s record in finals is a growing concern, but away from the spotlight expect him to put his man away with ease.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3
Steen:
The H2H is split in this matchup. Duckworth is at home so this feels competitive, but Auger-Aliassime’s level is just so much higher when his game is clicking. Auger Aliassime is a legitimate contender into the second week.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3
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Fraser:
Fortunately for Auger-Aliassime this isn’t a tour final so he should have a chance. The Canadian did welll to shake off his seventh straight sets finals loss and beat a tough first round opponent in Stebe. In Duckworth he faces another tricky customer. The Australian did well to beat Dzumhur in straight sets in the first round and will be hopeful of a chance here if Auger Aliassime as another off day. The Canadian’s best tennis is too good for most on the tour and he seems to be playing it for the most part in Melbourne. Duckworth may nick a set, but FAA should advance here
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 4
Alexandre Muller vs Diego Schwartzman
Jim:
It is a testament to Schwartzman’s adaptability and consistency that I am entirely certain he will come through this match without any real problems. The Argentine will not be able to live with the very best on a court surface like this, but Muller is a long way short of that.
Prediction: Schwartzman in 3
Steen:
Muller is happy to be here, but he just doesn’t have the game or the talent to hang with the Argentine. It should be comfortable for Schwartzman.
Prediction: Schwartzman in 3
Fraser:
Schwartzman did well to get through a tricky first round matchup with Elias Ymer. He now faces a slightly easier ask in Frenchman Alexandre Muller. Muller took advantage of being drawn against clay court specialist Ignacio Londero in the first round and moved into his first Grand Slam second round. However, his run will likely end here. Schwartzman is one of the best players on the men’s tour and is in a rich vein of form and confidence after a career best year in 2020. The small Argentinian should be able to get through this comfortably enough.
Prediction: Schwartzman in 3
Stan Wawrinka vs Marton Fucsovics
Jim:
This won’t be straightforward for Wawrinka, with Fucsovics possessing the power to really trouble him. Indeed, he has beaten him in the past, and the Hungarian also has a fine record at Melbourne Park. But Wawrinka has rebuilt his career impressively after twin knee surgeries and should have just about enough to get past Fucsovics.
Prediction: Wawrinka in 5
Steen:
3-1 H2H lead for Wawrinka, Fucsovics will be tired, and the Swiss is playing well and loves the courts here in Melbourne. Expect the former champion to move on.
Prediction: Wawrinka in 3
Fraser:
This has the makings of a good second round clash, with Wawrinka and Fucsovics both capable of high quality tennis. However, Wawrinka was breathtakingly good in his first round matchup. The Swiss found effortless power from both wings and looks in better shape than he has done in a while. Stan the Man plays Grand Slam winner worthy tennis when at his best and looks close to it now. if he sustains that level he should move on relatively easily here in a match that is on his racquet.
Prediction: Wawrinka in 4
Main Photo from Getty.
