{"id":63114,"date":"2024-01-18T06:00:19","date_gmt":"2024-01-18T11:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/?p=63114"},"modified":"2024-01-18T03:45:09","modified_gmt":"2024-01-18T08:45:09","slug":"australian-open-day-6-mens-predictions-djokovic-etcheverry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/2024\/01\/18\/australian-open-day-6-mens-predictions-djokovic-etcheverry\/","title":{"rendered":"Australian Open Day 6 Men’s Predictions Including Novak Djokovic vs Tomas Martin Etcheverry"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Australian Open third round of men’s singles begins on Day 6. Eight matches are on the slate as players look to move into the Round of 16. Which players have the advantage on Day 6? As always, our writers here at LWOT share their thoughts. We split the day\u2019s matches between this and one other article featuring Jannik Sinner vs Sebastian Baez<\/a>. Predicting these matches are Jack Edward, Damian Kust, and Andreas Pelekis.<\/span><\/p>\n

Australian Open Day 6 Men’s Predictions<\/h2>\n

Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Luca Van Assche<\/h4>\n

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

Jack:<\/strong>
\nStefanos Tsitsipas may not be in the greatest form but, for all his high profile losses last year, he generally took care of business against lower ranked players and his level in Australia is always worthy of the top 10. Van Assche\u2019s inexperience at the ATP level didn\u2019t hold him back in his first two five-set wins but it\u2019ll certainly be an issue here.
\nPrediction: Tsitsipas in 3<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Damian:<\/strong>
\nTsitsipas has put in a couple of professional displays so far, nothing crazy but enough to keep his runner-up points defense alive. Seems like he might be catching a bit of a break here. Van Assche advanced to the third round with a couple of five-setters and will likely be overpowered here, especially with his ability to target the Greek\u2019s backhand being rather questionable.
\nPrediction: Tsitsipas in 4<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Andreas:<\/strong>
\nSimilar to Djokovic, Tsitsipas has gotten to this round with his B-game, winning his first two matches in four sets and not getting enough first serves in. Van Assche continues to surprise opponents with his defensive game and will look to force unforced errors from the Greek if he’s off his game. Like Djokovic, this match goes into a fourth set, and Tsitsipas wins in a battle.
\nPrediction: Tsitsipas in 4<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Ben Shelton vs Adrian Mannarino<\/h4>\n

Head-to-Head:<\/strong> Shelton 0-1 Mannarino<\/p>\n

Jack:<\/strong>
\nShelton has shown plenty of signs of vulnerability in his first two matches but it hasn\u2019t mattered\u2014his serve has kept him ticking along steadily. There are a few traits of Mannarino\u2019s that will be neutralised by Shelton\u2019s being a lefty but, if they do start trading from the back of the court, the Frenchman will still have ways of rattling Shelton. The base level brought by Shelton\u2019s serve will probably still be too high for the upset, however.
\nPrediction: Shelton in 4<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Damian:<\/strong>
\nShelton facing a tricky opponent here, someone who knows how to keep the ball uncomfortable and draw out errors from attacking players. Does the fact he\u2019s a lefty himself help the American tackle the unpleasant spins and angles of the French veteran? Perhaps only slightly, but this is hard to call otherwise so I\u2019ll lean in that direction.
\nPrediction: Shelton in 5<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Andreas:<\/strong>
\nShelton continues to push closer to defending his quarterfinalist points, and this should be a good matchup for him to continue his run. Mannarino does well to find tricky angles, but his lack of pace should help Shelton. The Frenchman wins a set, but Shelton’s serve and energy get him into the fourth round.
\nPrediction: Shelton in 4<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>