Day 4 features the mouthwatering matchup of Novak Djokovic vs. Gael Monfils in the second round of the Australian Open. Yesh Ginsburg, Steen Kirby, and Brett Margolies will also take you through four other great matches slated for day 4.
Daniil Medvedev vs. Hyeon Chung
Steen: A battle of future ATP stars who are rising quickly. This match could really go either way, but Chung had the shorter opening round contest and Medvedev did not impress me heavily defeating an injured Thanasi Kokkinakis. Chung in 4
Brett: Daniil Medvedev overcame an injured Thanasi Kokkinakis and the crowd in the first round. Hyeon Chung won after Mischa Zvervev had to retire in the second set. They met last year in Milan at the NextGen finals where Chung defeated Medvedev. I think Chung will benefit from the short match yesterday and move on to the third round. Chung in 4
Yesh: These are two young up-and-comers who will be meeting in later rounds of Slams soon. I think Chung is just a bit more consistent at this point, which will make the difference. Chung in 4
Novak Djokovic vs. Gael Monfils
Steen: I picked Monfils to start the tournament, and despite Djokovic easily winning in the opening round, I’ll stick to that prediction. Djokovic has the intangible edge and the h2h edge, but I’m still not confident that he trusts his serve and his body. Monfils is in really good form to start the season and also won easily in the opening round. I’m probably crazy but I’ll go with La Monf. Monfils in 5
Brett: This is way too good to be a second-round match at a slam. Djokovic holds a 14-0 lead H2H against Monfils, including three wins at a grand slam. Monfils looked a little shaky in his first match against Munar, while Djokovic won comfortably. I think Monfils will be more of a test than Donald Young was. Fifteenth time will be the charm for Monfils. Monfils in 4
Yesh: This should absolutely be the biggest match of the round. Djokovic’s fitness will be tested, as the Frenchman is a far tougher opponent than Donald Young. I don’t think it will be there, and if Monfils can force a fifth he can take the upset. That being said, I don’t think Monfils can force a fifth. Djokovic in 4
Alexander Zverev vs. Peter Gojowczyk
Steen: Gojowczyk already has five match wins at the tour level in just three tournaments, but Zverev is in a class of his own. In this battle of Germans Zverev’s power should triumph. Zverev in 3
Brett: Zverev looked good in his first round win over Fabbiano. He looked as if he’s ready to take the next step, and finally make a run at a grand slam. Gojowcyz is a tricky opponent on a hard court so it won’t be easy but I don’t think Zverev will have any issues. Zverev in 3
Yesh: Zverev hasn’t had big success at Slams yet, but that will change soon. He’s definitely not losing this early in Melbourne. Zverev in 3
Juan Martin Del Potro vs. Karen Khachanov
Steen: Khachanov is a rising star but Del Potro decimated Tiafoe in the opening round and he eased past the Russian in Auckland last week. I’d be shocked if this was anything but routine for JMDP. Del Potro in 3
Brett: Del Potro defeated Khachanov comfortably last week in Auckland 7-6(4) 6-3. I think this will be the same, Del Potro looked good in his first round win over Frances Tiafoe. After missing the Australian Open last year the Argentine looks like he’s ready to make a run. Del Potro in 3
Yesh: This should be an entertaining match, as two huge hitters face off. Khachanov might have more stamina, but Del Potro has far more experience, and that will be the difference in the end. Del Potro in 4
Jiri Vesely vs. Adrian Mannarino
Steen: A great opportunity for either player, Mannarino has split meetings against Vesely but I have more confidence in his form. Mannarino continues to get results under the radar. Mannarino in 4
Brett: Adrian Mannarino will try to reach the third round of the Australian Open for the first time in his career. He played well defeating lucky loser Berrettini in straight sets. Vesely will obviously be tougher, but Mannarino usually does a good job beating players he should beat. Mannarino in 5
Yesh: Vesely’s rise has not been meteoric as some expected, but he’s slowly and steadily improving. The youngster is going to start making major waves, and soon. Vesely in 4
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