Day 6 at the Australian Open features another exciting slate of men’s third-round matches, with big names, rising stars, and contrasting styles in action. Alexander Zverev faces Cameron Norrie in a rematch of last year’s marathon five-set clash, Daniil Medvedev takes on Fabian Marozsan, Alexander Bublik meets Tomas Martin Etcheverry, and Tommy Paul squares off against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Providing their insights and predictions are Ateet Shrivastava, Steen Kirby, and Yesh Ginsburg. Who will move into the fourth round?
Australian Open Day 6 Men’s Predictions
Alexander Zverev vs Cameron Norrie
Ateet: Alexander Zverev defeated a very good Alexandre Muller to reach the third round. The German played brilliantly for most of the match and took control with aggressive tennis. Cameron Norrie is a gritty opponent who will look to beat Zverev for the first time in his career. Their long five-set battle in 2024 shows that Norrie can make things difficult, but Zverev’s authoritative forehand should be the key.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Steen: Zverev’s window to win a Grand Slam is closing, he remains perfectly capable against solid opponents like Norrie but struggles against the very top of the game. Norrie should be tricky but ultimately Zverev hits through the ball with too much power.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Yesh: Cameron Norrie is an elite talent with a consistent game that can frustrate anyone. He hasn’t played perfect, consistent tennis in a few years, but he looks sharp right now. I think he can disrupt Zverev’s rhythm and push this to five sets.
Prediction: Norrie in 5
Daniil Medvedev vs Fabian Marozsan
Ateet: Daniil Medvedev lost his opening set to Quentin Halys, but his level remained solid, and he recovered comfortably as Halys’ intensity dropped. Fabian Marozsan will provide another stern test, but Medvedev’s experience and consistency should see him through.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
Steen: Medvedev finally looks back, Marozsan is a good player but at Medvedev’s current level is above even his best tennis on most days. Medvedev should be able to dictate this match.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Yesh: Medvedev isn’t quite playing like he did when he reached the final here a few years back, but he’s getting close. He should have more than enough to outwork Marozsan from the baseline.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
Alexander Bublik vs Tomas Martin Etcheverry
Ateet: Alexander Bublik was briefly a break down against Marton Fucsovics but recovered to win in straight sets. Bublik is in great form and dangerous for anyone in this draw. Tomas Martin Etcheverry is solid from the baseline but lacks the variety to trouble Bublik on this surface.
Prediction: Bublik in 3
Steen: Bublik takes on a player who isn’t as strong on this surface, and he’s now a solid top 10 player who can rack up wins in consecutive fashion. One of the best shotmakers on tour, this match should be comfortable.
Prediction: Bublik in 3
Yesh: Bublik has quietly become a top player. I expect him to move on in exciting yet routine fashion.
Prediction: Bublik in 3
Tommy Paul vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Ateet: This is a rematch of last year’s fourth round, where Davidovich Fokina was fatigued and Paul had an easier win. While the Spaniard is coming off another long match, Paul cruised in his second round and should have the edge again, though the contest may be tighter than last year.
Prediction: Paul in 4
Steen: Paul is dealing with injuries, ADF is dealing with fatigue after five sets against American Reilly Opelka. Davidovich Fokina is a solid player under the circumstances, if he recovers, he’s going to be in a much better condition than Paul.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 4
Yesh: Is Tommy Paul healthy? And does it matter? Davidovich Fokina can take him out even at his best, and it’s not at all clear Paul will be at that level.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 4
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
