The Australian Open third round of men’s singles begins on Day 6. Eight matches are on the slate as players look to move into the Round of 16. Which players have the advantage on Day 6? As always, our writers here at LWOT share their thoughts. We split the day’s matches between this and one other article featuring Jannik Sinner vs Sebastian Baez. Predicting these matches are Jack Edward, Damian Kust, and Andreas Pelekis.
Australian Open Day 6 Men’s Predictions
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Luca Van Assche
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Jack:
Stefanos Tsitsipas may not be in the greatest form but, for all his high profile losses last year, he generally took care of business against lower ranked players and his level in Australia is always worthy of the top 10. Van Assche’s inexperience at the ATP level didn’t hold him back in his first two five-set wins but it’ll certainly be an issue here.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 3
Damian:
Tsitsipas has put in a couple of professional displays so far, nothing crazy but enough to keep his runner-up points defense alive. Seems like he might be catching a bit of a break here. Van Assche advanced to the third round with a couple of five-setters and will likely be overpowered here, especially with his ability to target the Greek’s backhand being rather questionable.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 4
Andreas:
Similar to Djokovic, Tsitsipas has gotten to this round with his B-game, winning his first two matches in four sets and not getting enough first serves in. Van Assche continues to surprise opponents with his defensive game and will look to force unforced errors from the Greek if he’s off his game. Like Djokovic, this match goes into a fourth set, and Tsitsipas wins in a battle.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 4
Ben Shelton vs Adrian Mannarino
Head-to-Head: Shelton 0-1 Mannarino
Jack:
Shelton has shown plenty of signs of vulnerability in his first two matches but it hasn’t mattered—his serve has kept him ticking along steadily. There are a few traits of Mannarino’s that will be neutralised by Shelton’s being a lefty but, if they do start trading from the back of the court, the Frenchman will still have ways of rattling Shelton. The base level brought by Shelton’s serve will probably still be too high for the upset, however.
Prediction: Shelton in 4
Damian:
Shelton facing a tricky opponent here, someone who knows how to keep the ball uncomfortable and draw out errors from attacking players. Does the fact he’s a lefty himself help the American tackle the unpleasant spins and angles of the French veteran? Perhaps only slightly, but this is hard to call otherwise so I’ll lean in that direction.
Prediction: Shelton in 5
Andreas:
Shelton continues to push closer to defending his quarterfinalist points, and this should be a good matchup for him to continue his run. Mannarino does well to find tricky angles, but his lack of pace should help Shelton. The Frenchman wins a set, but Shelton’s serve and energy get him into the fourth round.
Prediction: Shelton in 4
Karen Khachanov vs Tomas Machac
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Jack:
Machac played the match of his life to defeat Tiafoe in the second round but it’s hard to say whether the unpredictable Czech can duplicate that performance. Khachanov is a different kettle of fish from Tiafoe—a fairly high base level is pretty much guaranteed and he’ll likely make the match a slog. I think Machac will have chances but the Russian’s physicality will prevail.
Prediction: Khachanov in 5
Damian:
Machac played one of the matches of his life to dispatch Tiafoe in straight sets. He’s going to have an excellent year now that he’s finally on the main tour for an extended period and you don’t need more than fifteen minutes of watching him to understand how ridiculously talented he is. He’ll take time away from Khachanov all day and it’s his level of execution that should decide if he wins or not.
Prediction: Machac in 5
Andreas:
Machac claimed the first Top 20 win of his career against Frances Tiafoe on Wednesday at the Australian Open, winning in straight sets. He has a powerful game that seems to be in top form at the moment, and this tournament seems like a potential breakthrough for the Czech. Khachanov is the favorite on paper, but he’s been a bit inconsistent thus far; he’s hit 89 unforced errors across two matches and has to deal with pressure defending semifinalist points. Machac to pull off the upset.
Prediction: Machac in 5
Novak Djokovic vs Tomas Martin Etcheverry
Head-to-Head: Djokovic 2-0 Etcheverry
Jack:
Djokovic has shown signs of frailty in his first two matches but, regardless of his level of play, he’s been able to dig deep when it matters most. Expect a similar pattern against Etcheverry. The 30th seed will be more than willing to make things gruelling and physical. Djokovic will find a way but it could be ugly.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Damian:
Djokovic is struggling with a cold and clearly not at his best at the moment. If that remains the case, Etcheverry is not a perfect matchup by any means. The Argentinian loves extended rallies and has a 4-0 record in matches that lasted over 3 hours and 50 minutes. I’ll still pick the World No. 1 to figure it out, but it will be a tough physical workout.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Andreas:
We’ve seen the same scenario play out countless times – Djokovic struggles early on in a match, encounters controversy with the crowd and becomes fired up only to wear down his opponent. That happened against Popyrin in Round 2 at the Australian Open. The world No. 1 now comes into the third round having already dropped two sets. Etcheverry outplayed Andy Murray and Gael Monfils in his first two matches and has done well to limit his unforced errors. Djokovic should win this, but predicting another tight four-setter.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran – USA TODAY Sports
