Australian Open 2019, Day 3: Men's singles predictions
As the 2019 Australian Open enters its third day of play, a few notable scalps have been recorded. Tomas Berdych knocked out last year’s semi-finalist Kyle Edmund, while NextGen star Andrey Rublev was surprisingly beaten by American Mackenzie McDonald.
Although, there were no surprises in store for the big boys: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and last year’s runner-up Marin Cilic all won comfortably to progress.
With that in mind, here are the predictions of the best matches from the second-round matches set to feature on Day 3:
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Viktor Troicki
Viktor Troicki played a five-setter at soaring temperatures on Monday - the last thing he would've wanted, coming into this match against the 2018 NextGen champion Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Meanwhile the Greece international also did not have it all his way against Matteo Berretini, but managed to hold the Italian's fightback in the fourth set.
This will be a completely different match, as I expect Tsitsipas to break Troicki's service more than he did against Berretini - who himself is a very under-rated server. I am also picking the Greek to win again in four sets here.
Prediction: Stefanos Tsitsipas to prevail in four sets
Karen Khachanov vs Yoshihito Nishioka
Yoshihito Nishioka knocked out last year's quarter-finalist Tennys Sandgren. Honestly though, that result was to be expected as the American was essentially very fatigued after winning in Auckland just a few days ago.
However, that should be as good as it gets for the Japanese international - who will face a very different proposition on Wednesday. Karen Khachanov is steadily establishing himself as a top ten player and his quality is miles above that of Nishioka.
Prediction: Karen Khachanov to win in straight-sets
Roberto Bautista-Agut vs John Millman
Andy Murray's conqueror Bautista-Agut will play the home favourite in John Millman. Both these two players were tested to the limit in their opening round matches. The Spaniard managed to withstand a brave fightback from Murray - who may have potentially played his final match on tour.
Meanwhile Millman was able to see off Federico Delbonis in a four-set victory. Bautista-Agut currently leads the head-to-head 3-1, and is enjoying great form at present.
Having already beaten Stan Wawrinka, Novak Djokovic, Berdych and most recently Murray this year, it's an impressive achievement. Millman will struggle to impose himself because what the Spaniard does so well is move his opponents across the court.
Prediction: Bautista-Agut to win in four sets
Roger Federer vs Dan Evans
Federer looked impeccable against Denis Istomin in his opening round encounter. He will have a lot to do though, if he's to win a third successive Australian Open title.
Honestly though, his second-round match against Dan Evans should not present him with any sort of obstacles.
Prediction: Roger Federer to win in straight sets
Rafael Nadal vs Matthew Ebden
Rafael Nadal played his first competitive match of 2019 on Monday when he beat James Duckworth in straight sets. While it was certainly not an invincible Nadal performance, he couldn't have asked for a better start.
We know just how dangerous Rafa is when he gets into the second week of Grand Slams.I don't think he's fully fit, but even at 70% he can still compete with almost half the tour - remarkable for someone with his injury struggles in recent years.
He's facing another Australian in Matthew Ebden, a significant upgrade on Duckworth, but I cannot see anything other than a comfortable Nadal win once more.
Prediction: Rafael Nadal with a straight-sets victory
Alex De Minaur vs Henri Laaksonen
Alex de Minaur is carrying the hopes of Australian tennis now and is certainly in the spotlight. He plays fast tennis and at just 18-years-old, you can see excitement building - he wants to perform well and chase every ball, which is refreshing to see for an up-and-coming player.
He won the Sydney International and will have extra motivation to perform well at this year's Open, particularly as it's his home Grand Slam. I have no idea how Henri Laaksonen's feet might look at this moment after going through qualifiers as well as a tough opening round match against Mirza Basic. So unsurprisingly, Alex is an overwhelming favourite here in this one.
Prediction: Alex de Minaur to win in straight sets