There was plenty of entertaining action on day one at the Australian Open and the entertainment is set to continue on day two with a host of star names in action. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for all 28 matches on the slate, including Andy Murray vs Tomas Martin Etcheverry, Alex de Minaur vs Milos Raonic, Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Dominic Thiem, Ben Shelton vs Roberto Bautista Agut, Daniil Medvedev vs Terence Atmane, and Hubert Hurkacz vs Omar Jasika. But who will advance?
Australian Open Day 2 Predictions
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Zizou Bergs
Jim: Stefanos Tsitsipas may well have been privately relieved to see Matteo Berrettini withdraw ahead of this first-round clash with the hard-hitting Italian not the ideal opening opponent. Zizou Bergs can certainly play, but the Belgian is in danger of being overpowered.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 3
Yesh: We were expecting a blockbuster between Tsitsipas and Matteo Berrettini, but Berrettini still isn’t healthy enough. Zizou Bergs won’t produce nearly the exciting battle.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 3
Damian: Bergs gets in after Berrettini’s withdrawal and while it might seem like this is really easy for Tsitsipas now, the Belgian lucky loser could announce himself in a big way here. He didn’t handle the brutal Melbourne heat in the qualifying, but it’s cooler now and you can’t deny he has the tools to target the Tsitsipas backhand. This might be a bit too bold, but let’s try to call an upset here with the Greek struggling with his back at the United Cup.
Prediction: Bergs in 5
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Aleksandar Vukic vs Jordan Thompson
Jim: Jordan Thompson has looked very sharp recently and while there is an obvious weakness in his game for opponents to target, he manages it well. He also has a good record on home soil and though he won’t be able to rely on the partisan crowd up against another Australian in Aleksandar Vukic, he should stillhave the beating of his compatriot.
Prediction: Thompson in 4
Yesh: Thompson is a solid player who likes playing on his home soil. Vukic is rising and talented, but in I’ll take the more experienced of the two Aussies here.
Prediction: Thompson in 4
Damian: Vukic is one of the players who will go down in the rankings this year as after Atlanta he’s just not holding up on the main tour. Thompson on the other hand developed his game so much over the years and has never been more relevant than right now. He should be able to capitalize on this opportunity in the all-Australian clash.
Prediction: Thompson in 4
Alexandre Muller vs Hugo Grenier
Jim: This match may not capture many headlines, but it should be a competitive affair. There’s not a great deal between the Frenchmen on paper, though Alexandre Muller is probably the more accomplished player technically and tactically. In spite of that, in quick conditions and with the momentum of his successful qualifying campaign, Hugo Grenier might just have the edge here.
Prediction: Grenier in 5
Yesh: Muller is not quite who he once was, but he likes fast surfaces and his serve should put him ahead in this match all by itself.
Prediction: Muller in 3
Damian: Grenier was one of the most unexpected qualifiers with three upset wins, but they all came against a similar type of opponent where his combination of big serving and solid anticipation was vital. Against an in-form Muller it’s just a very different matchup, so his run likely ends here.
Prediction: Muller in 4
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Roberto Carballes Baena vs Hugo Gaston
Jim: A good opportunity for both to reach the second round at a Major. Both prefer the clay, but Roberto Carballes Baena’s game perhaps translates slightly better to hard courts just because of his relentless consistency from the back of the court. Gaston will look to his variety to unsettle the Spaniard, but Carballes Baena should have just about enough to see off the mercurial Gaston.
Prediction: Carballes Baena in 5
Yesh: Gaston often feels like he has an impressive future, and often he feels like he… just doesn’t. Carballes Baena has a cap on his peak, but he’s more consistent.
Prediction: Carballes Baena in 4
Damian: Gaston gets the lucky loser call-up and finds himself in a very winnable match. This is a clash of two very different temperaments and the solid game of Carballes Baena against the Frenchman’s trickery is pretty much as poles apart as it gets. It might make for a surprisingly fun contrast of styles, let’s say the consistency takes the win.
Prediction: Carballes Baena in 5
Main photo credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
