Australian Open actions continues on Day 6 with the beginning of the third round. Eight men’s singles matches are on the docket, including No. 3 seed Carlos Alcaraz squaring off against the in-form Nuno Borges. Our other prediction article features Novak Djokovic vs Tomas Machac. Predicting this set of matches are Damian Kust, Ateet Shrivastava and Liam McBride. Who do you think will advance?
Australian Open Day 6 Men’s Predictions
Tommy Paul vs Roberto Carballes Baena
Damian
Paul’s shoulder problem from the opening round wasn’t visible as he easily outlasted Nishikori. This is still a really nice draw for him and while Carballes Baena can play some very solid tennis on hard courts, the American is definitely a class ahead. He won’t beat anyone significant at this event, but he will go exactly as deep as he’s expected.
Prediction: Paul in 4
Ateet
Not many people would have expected to see Roberto Carballes Baena in the third round of his less preferred Slam but he has done an amazing job of playing consistent and aggressive tennis. However, Tommy Paul would be a significant step up for him and I can’t see him upsetting the American player.
Prediction: Paul in 4
Liam
Tommy Paul was on the cusp of an early exit, but he showed terrific character to knock out crowd favourite Christopher O’Connell. In a battle of two era’s, he was comfortably better than Kei Nishikori. Carballes Baena also saw off an Aussie, beating James Duckworth in straight sets. Yet, Paul’s athleticism will prove too much, as will his ability to move around the Spaniard. A first straight-sets win of the Slam is on the way.
Prediction: Paul in 3
Jiri Lehecka vs Benjamin Bonzi
Damian
Lehecka has been enjoying a very comfortable draw so far and while he didn’t necessarily need it with how strong he tends to be in Australia, it might help him conserve energy for the likely fourth-round clash with Australia. It’s been the same story with Bonzi the last three weeks – he’s winning against the players he should beat, but loses to the first top-quality opponent. History should repeat itself here.
Prediction: Lehecka in 4
Ateet
This should be a great match between two brilliant and in-from players. Lehecka has a great serve and hits huge off both wings while Bonzi likes to come at the net and is solid from the baseline. It will be tougher for Bonzi to win many free points behind his serve and that’s where Lehecka can take the match.
Prediction: Lehecka in 4
Liam
After Hugo Gaston’s early retirement, Lehecka will be feeling fresh and ready to go. Moreover, his monstrous ground strokes will cause most men on tour an issue, and Bonzi will be no different. The Frenchman has excelled in the opening days but will find his tournament halting to an end in the midst of a Czech domination.
Prediction: Lehecka in 3
Alexander Zverev vs Jacob Fearnley
Damian
Fearnley has had a lot of success facing more offensive opponents so far, but this will be a different matchup and a completely new opportunity to prove himself. Unfortunately, Zverev just doesn’t seem to have any cracks in his game at the moment. When Fearnley faces someone who can defend like that and hits a ball this heavy, he’s susceptible to going on error sprees.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Ateet
The World No. 2 lost just five games in his second-round win over Pedro Martinez and was hitting his forehand with great pace. However, this match against Fearnley will be a much better indicator of Zverev’s level as Fearnley can cause some problems with his serve and variety. Fearnley will use slices and come to the net more than Zverev’s previous two opponents, so Zverev has to be prepared.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Liam
Zverev has cruised into the third round without dropping a set. He is one of the favorites to claim his first career Slam. Fearnley has had a more difficult path to Round 3, but held up well in wins over Kyrgios and Cazaux. If the Brit can stay consistent from the baseline, he could give Zverev trouble. However, I see the German cruising behind his newfound serve.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Carlos Alcaraz vs Nuno Borges
Damian
Borges loves these courts and has been peaking on them for two years straight now. But there’s a big leap from doing that to actually beating Alcaraz, who’s also looking very dangerous now after making adjustments to his service motion during the off-season. With another inspired effort from the Portuguese, he might be the first player to take a set off the Spaniard at this year’s Australian Open.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Ateet
Carlos Alcaraz has had a fairly easy draw so far and his own performance has also been great. Nuno Borges will be a tougher challenge but the match will be on the Spaniard’s racquet and he should be up for the challenge of facing an in-form player.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Liam
You had to feel for Nishioka, at times against Alcaraz it looked as though it was two men playing different sports. Meanwhile, Borges reminds a lot of Aslan Karatsev game-style-wise. His movement isn’t his strongest point, but he can take the ball early and re-direct it so well. Unfortunately for him though, he is nowhere near the level of the Spaniard, who will continue to breeze through the early rounds.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
