Australian Open Men’s Matches to Watch
Not Before 2 AM EST, 6 PM AEDT
Thiem has gone through what feels like two matches in one rounds in his five set thriller vs. Benoit Paire on Tuesday night. One may worry about his physical condition with the oppressive heat and humidity bearing down on him, but he will have another chance to play an evening match against the youngster Popyrin. Popyrin gave a thorough hiding to Mischa Zverev in the first round, pounding 16 aces and an UNREAL 60-13 winner to unforced error ratio. Popyrin has the talent to beat Thiem, but Thiem has the GS experience, and the more consistent game to dodge the plucky youngster’s bullet.
Prediction- Thiem, 7-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2
Aproximate Time- 4:35 AM EST, 8:35 AEDT
The nightcap on RLA tonight will recreate a past final, one from 2008, where these players were in similar positions. Djokovic as the world #1, and Tsonga as an unseeded player, this time being ranked 35 spots lower, at 73 in the world. Tsonga battled well past Martin Klizan in straight sets, using his trademark serve and forehand to win his points. However, Djokovic has been too good for almost everyone (we see you Karen Khachanov!) since August of last year. The Djoker will ride the wave of his game over Tsonga in a delightful spectacle for the Melbourne crowd, but don’t be surprised if this one goes the distance.
Prediction- Djokovic 6-4, 6-2, 6-7, 7-6
Approximate Time- 830 PM EST, 1230 PM AEDT
This. This is the match, that if you’re trying to get to bed at a fairly reasonable hour, that you should watch if you’re in the United States. Wawrinka, the former Grand Slam champion, has been getting into his rhythm lately, only losing in Doha to the eventual champion, the on-fire Roberto Bautista Agut. He only had to play one set against Gulbis on Tuesday, but was hitting his backhands cleanly enough, and winning points off of his first strike tennis. Raonic put in a very good performance as well, taking out King Kyrgios in straights in a hugely partisan crowd. His serves are firing well, and he even is moving well now, the back seems to be hurting him much much less. This should be an absolute stunner, one without a clear favorite.
Prediction-
Raonic- 5-7, 6-3, 7-5, 6-7, 6-4
As will be per usual, keep checking back every day for updates on not just the Grand Slams, but all ATP, Challenger, and certain ITF World Tennis Tour events!
Up The Line Tennis 