Day 6 at the Australian Open delivers a strong lineup of men’s third-round encounters, featuring title contenders, home favorites, and players chasing breakthrough runs. Carlos Alcaraz continues his pursuit of another Melbourne title against the creative Corentin Moutet, while Frances Tiafoe and Alex de Minaur clash in what could be one of the matches of the round. Andrey Rublev faces a stern test from Francisco Cerundolo, and rising star Learner Tien takes on Nuno Borges with a spot in the second week on the line. Providing their insights and predictions are Ateet Shrivastava, Steen Kirby, and Yesh Ginsburg. Who will advance to the fourth round in Melbourne?
Australian Open Day 6 Men’s Predictions
Carlos Alcaraz vs Corentin Moutet
Ateet: Carlos Alcaraz faced another inspired opponent in the second round, but he did enough to win the first-set tiebreak before cruising through the remainder of the match. Corentin Moutet has reached the third round here for the second consecutive year, but it is difficult to see him going any further. This should still be an entertaining contest.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Steen: Alcaraz is facing inspired opposition but he’s still better than anyone on tour. It would take a brave person to pick an upset here.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Yesh: Carlos Alcaraz looked a bit shaky at times in his opening match, but he is far too good to seriously struggle here. Moutet can cause problems in patches, but an upset feels highly unlikely.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Frances Tiafoe vs Alex de Minaur
Ateet: Frances Tiafoe looks focused and inspired, and that has reflected in his game. When he is in this type of form, he can trouble anyone. Alex de Minaur will need to be at his absolute best, but with the home crowd behind him and a favorable head-to-head, the Australian should find a way through.
Prediction: De Minaur in 5
Steen: De Minaur is still trying to get over the Grand Slam hump at his own slam, he has elite foot speed but Tiafoe has power and a heavy game that puts him in good position to cause an upset in this marquee matchup. De Minaur in Grand Slams has never been the most threatening of players and this feels like a big time moment for Tiafoe.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 5
Yesh: This should be one of the best matches of the round. Tiafoe appears to be in good rhythm, something he lacked for much of 2025. De Minaur is elite when fully locked in and, while he has not quite hit top gear yet, I think he finds it before the match is over.
Prediction: De Minaur in 5
Andrey Rublev vs Francisco Cerundolo
Ateet: Rublev was pushed hard by Jaime Faria in the second round but showed strong composure to close out the match in four sets. Francisco Cerundolo is playing superb tennis and holds the head-to-head edge. This should be tight, and Cerundolo’s motivation to reach the fourth round in Melbourne for the first time could prove decisive.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 5
Steen: Cerundolo is coming into his own on hard courts, Rublev is a player who is either excellent or completely out of sorts depending on the day. On this surface, Rublev is still more trusted.
Prediction: Rublev in 4
Yesh: Andrey Rublev can be an enigma, capable of losing rhythm very quickly. However, when he finds his range, he remains a top-tier player, and that version of Rublev should be enough to see him through.
Prediction: Rublev in 4
Learner Tien vs Nuno Borges
Ateet: This matchup has all the ingredients to be long and entertaining. Borges traditionally plays his best tennis in Melbourne, while Tien will be relieved to have come through his second-round match quickly after a five-set opener. Tien won their only previous meeting, but Borges should push him hard.
Prediction: Tien in 5
Steen: Tien’s moment is here, Borges is a tough opponent though and should push him the entire way. Tien’s shotmaking wins the day.
Prediction: Tien in 4
Yesh: This is a huge opportunity for both men to reach the second week of a Major. Both enjoy these courts, but Tien’s natural court sense is nearly unmatched and should help him find a way through.
Prediction: Tien in 4
Main Photo Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
