We’ll see the end of the second round on Day 5 of the Australian Open, which means 16 exciting men’s matches on the schedule. Who do you think will win on Thursday in Melbourne? As always, our writers share their thoughts on all of the matches. We split the day’s 16 matches between four articles–the other three feature Holger Rune vs Matteo Berrettini, Taylor Fritz vs Cristian Garin, and Gael Monfils vs Daniel Altmaier. Predicting this match are Damian Kust, Tope Oke, and Ateet Shrivastava. Who will reach Round 3?
Australian Open Day 5 Predictions
Alex Michelsen vs James Mccabe
Damian:
Michelsen eliminated Tsitsipas in what didn’t need to be any exceptional performance, but he did play well and applied his tools in the matchup expertly. Looks like this is a solid draw for him. McCabe already surprised by taking out Landaluce in the opening round, now he’s facing a youngster who’s simply a lot more seasoned than his previous opponent.
Prediction: Michelsen in 3
Tope:
This won’t be short on fun as two exciting stars meet for the second time at the same venue for a place in the third round. Last year, the American ran away with the win, but this will be much closer than the odds suggest. James McCabe didn’t face a single break point against Martin Landaluce in the opener, while Michelsen quickly dispatched Stefanos Tsitsipas in what didn’t feel like an upset, as the Greek star had been facing inconsistencies.
Buoyed by the home fans and a solid serve, I’ll lean towards the Australian to nick a set or two and withstand the Melbourne heat to advance to the next round.
Prediction: McCabe in 5
Ateet:
Michelsen was tactically brilliant in his four-set win over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first round. Mccabe would be delighted to get his first main-draw win at a Slam in just his second appearance. However, he will face the player who beat him at this very place last year. I expect a similar outcome.
Prediction: Michelsen in 4
Joao Fonseca vs Lorenzo Sonego
Damian:
Everybody will be expecting a Fonseca win right now, but it’s important to remember that disappointments will happen along the learning curve and he won’t just play 30 insane matches in a row now. That said, I can’t quite justify not picking him to prevail against Sonego, especially as the Rublev win probably didn’t tire him out.
Prediction: Fonseca in 4
Tope:
Easily the sport’s rising star, Fonseca hasn’t tasted defeat in 15 matches, nor has he conceded a set in his last nine encounters. Those are the stats needed to predict the outcome of this match against inconsistent Sonego, who hasn’t won consecutive matches since October.
The Italian may have more experience, but, on this occasion, the vast array of skills the Brazilian possesses will be too much for the Italian to handle.
Prediction: Fonseca in 4
Ateet:
Fonseca quite likely played the best Grand Slam debut match ever. Beating Andrey Rublev in that manner was quite astounding, and I can’t imagine what Sonego can do if the 18-year-old performs as he did in the first round. If the level doesn’t drop significantly, Fonseca will take it.
Prediction: Fonseca in 4
Corentin Moutet vs Mitchell Krueger
Damian:
Krueger is playing his peak stuff right now but it hasn’t been enough to attract much attention and on paper, he still feels like a fairly comfortable opponent for Moutet. You never know with these unique playstyles though and someone with such a steady, heavy ball like the American could be a counter to that game. Let’s just try the “better player.”
Prediction: Moutet in 5
Tope:
Intriguing match this promises to be between two contrasting players who meet for the first time, so expect a measured, cautious approach, especially in the early games, before it springs to life as it goes on.
It is remarkable how both players stayed composed, as they dispatched two Australians in the previous round, so it isn’t easy to decide how this will swing. However, there is something more assuring about Moutet’s left hand that often grinds out an unanimated win from the baseline. In this one, I think the Frenchman will stay the course and find a win.
Prediction: Moutet in 5
Ateet:
Moutet was involved in another popcorn match against home favourite, Alexei Popyrin and he didn’t disappoint. The Frenchman played some great shots and served really well in pressure situations. Mitchell Krueger was also solid in the first round but I am going with Moutet to reach the third round for the first time here.
Prediction: Moutet in 4
Jannik Sinner vs Tristan Schoolkate
Damian:
Sinner needed a couple of tie-breaks against Jarry, but there’s still not much to suggest he’s going to have any issues in his first few rounds here. Schoolkate will at least have some crowd support and possesses an aggressive game that can be tough to handle on his day. It’s just not enough at all against the powerhouse that the Italian is right now.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Tope:
Tristan Schoolkate has made something of his debut, making it to the second round and will be one for the future. He has nothing to lose in this one against the defending champion, and it will be an entertaining one for the fans. As for the outcome, Sinner will win, regardless of how long the Aussie holds on.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Ateet:
Sinner faced a prime Nicolas Jarry in the first round for the first two sets but did brilliantly to clutch it out in the tiebreaks. He should be ready for another tough match in the second round against Tristan Schoolkate, who was brilliant in the first round. The Australian player hit 66 winners in four sets. He will need to serve at a high rate to have any chance of keeping this match close.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
