Either Miomir Kecmanovic or Tommy Paul will take advantage of Novak Djokovic’s deportation and reach the third round of the Australian Open. Denis Shapovalov is also in action on day 3 as we have predictions for every match including Rafael Nadal and Gael Monfils’ matches.
Denis Shapovalov vs Kwon Soon-Woo
Damian Kust: Denis Shapovalov certainly showed some dents in his armor in the first round, while Soon-Woo Kwon overcame Holger Rune in five sets. The Canadian should be closer and closer to finding his footing in Melbourne and will likely play much better than against Laslo Djere. Shapovalov in 4
Jack Edward: Considering the form Djere was in prior to their first-round match, this should have been less sticky for Denis Shapovalov. Calling Shapo’s matches can be a fool’s game but it feels as though it’s safer to bet on him having survived an early test. I hope he will have settled having come through his match against the Serb, even if Kwon’s steady game ruffles his feathers. Shapovalov in 4
Pedro Martinez vs Cristian Garin
Damian: Clay-courters playing on hard courts special. Pedro Martinez has reached the third round at the Australian Open in the past and probably has a slightly better weapon for quicker conditions with his forehand, giving him the slight advantage in my view. Martinez in 5
Jack: Though he’s notched a few good wins on the surface in his career, it’s still impossible to trust in Garin’s game on a hard-court. Both will undoubtedly see this as a huge opportunity however I think Martinez’s shots having that much more zip on them will make all the difference. Martinez in 4
Miomir Kecmanovic vs Tommy Paul
Damian: Tommy Paul has been on the rise recently, claiming his maiden ATP title in Stockholm and kicking off this year with two quarterfinals. The American finds himself in the weakened top quarter and should love this chance to progress deeper than usual. Paul in 4
Jack: Both players did similarly well in their openers against qualifiers, showing they are willing to step forward given this rare Djokovic-less opportunity. Paul is the more proactive of the two players – though Kecmanovic may be able to trouble him with some lazered passing shots, the American’s continually improving game should come out on top. Paul in 4
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Karen Khachanov vs Benjamin Bonzi
Damian: If Benjamin Bonzi can repeat the ridiculous serving display from the opening round, I’m not sure he’s even the underdog here. He hasn’t really performed on the main tour yet, this is an opportunity to step it up. Bonzi in 5
Jack: When will Bonzi make the leap to ATP-level? He has the game for it but hasn’t had the results at the top of the game that his ranking of #63 would suggest. I think Khachanov will be a lesson in the micro-improvements he needs to make to truly break through. Khachanov in 5
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