{"id":63079,"date":"2024-01-17T06:00:02","date_gmt":"2024-01-17T11:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/?p=63079"},"modified":"2024-01-17T01:12:02","modified_gmt":"2024-01-17T06:12:02","slug":"australian-open-day-5-mens-predictions-including-alexander-zverev-vs-lukas-klein","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/2024\/01\/17\/australian-open-day-5-mens-predictions-including-alexander-zverev-vs-lukas-klein\/","title":{"rendered":"Australian Open Day 5 Men’s Predictions Including Alexander Zverev vs Lukas Klein"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Australian Open second round of men\u2019s singles finishes on Day 5. 16 matches are on the slate as players look to move into Round 3. Which players have the advantage on Day 5? As always, our writers here at LWOT share their thoughts. We split the day\u2019s matches between this and three other articles. Those articles feature Holger Rune vs Arthur Cazaux<\/a>, Carlos Alcaraz vs Lorenzo Sonego<\/a>, and Daniil Medvedev vs Emil Ruusuvuori<\/a>. Predicting these matches are Jack Edward, Damian Kust, and Jordan Reynolds.<\/p>\n

Australian Open Day 5 Men’s Predictions<\/h2>\n

Casper Ruud vs Max Purcell<\/h4>\n

Head-to-Head:<\/strong> Ruud 1-1 Purcell<\/p>\n

Jack:<\/strong>
\nCasper Ruud has laid 2023 to rest with aplomb. The year had some lows but he\u2019s put all of that behind him by winning nine sets on the bounce. Purcell has holes in his game that the Norwegian should be able to exploit so I\u2019m expecting something fairly routine.
\nPrediction: Ruud in 3<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Damian:<\/strong>
\nPurcell beat Ruud in Cincinnati last year and with his slice-heavy disruptor playstyle, matchups tend to matter a great deal. The Norwegian likely won’t get to feel too comfortable on the court, but let’s say he takes it this time when he gets more time to unpack Purcell\u2019s game in the longer format.
\nPrediction: Ruud in 5<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Jordan:<\/strong>
\nThis is an interesting clash of styles. Ruud is the more complete player by a distance. However. Purcell regularly serves and volleys, which could be a helpful play to have on second serve especially, since Ruud stands a long way back. Ultimately, Ruud should have too much class for the Australian, but this is a contest to watch out for.
\nPrediction: Ruud in 4<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Grigor Dimitrov vs Thanasi Kokkinakis<\/h4>\n

Head-to-Head:<\/strong> first meeting<\/p>\n

Jack:<\/strong>
\nDimitrov isn\u2019t afraid to outlast his opponents. He\u2019s confident in his physicality and tactics and won\u2019t take any chances against Kokkinakis. The Aussie will have his moments but Dimitrov is looking seriously strong in Melbourne.
\nPrediction: Dimitrov in 4<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Damian:<\/strong>
\nDimitrov pushed through a tough opener against Fucsovics and faces another player known for his knack for upsets. Kokkinakis doesn’t seem to be playing with too much confidence at the moment. He could always fire up with the Aussie crowd, but anything less than a peak performance will be capitalized on by Dimitrov.
\nPrediction: Dimitrov in 3<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Jordan:<\/strong>
\nSome have wondered whether Dimitrov is a dark horse this year after his huge improvement in the last 12 months. This is a great test of those credentials. Playing the talented Kokkinakis in front of a loud home crowd will test the Bulgarian\u2019s resilience, and would be a match where I\u2019d be worried about him in the past. But I think he is so much stronger now, and will prove it here.
\nPrediction: Dimitrov in 4<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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