Australian Open 2019, Day 5: Men's singles predictions
If we were ever to assume that this was going to be a quiet Grand Slam particularly because we are close to complete the first week and there has not been a big name casualty, well, that did not take too long because South Africa's Kevin Anderson, who is the fifth seed, is the first high profile victim at this year's Australian Open.
Anderson led Frances Tiafoe in the second round match by a set and break before the American fought back with such unrelenting tennis to win in four sets.
Taylor Fritz was also another American who impressed. The 21-year-old took out Frenchman Gael Monfils in four sets to set up a meeting with the defending champion Roger Federer.
The following are the predictions of best third round matches on Day 5.
Tomas Berdych vs Diego Schwartzman
A lot had been written about Tomas Berdych prior to this year. There were even featured articles predicting his retirement at the end of 2019. The Czech had taken an extended break from tennis to rehabilitate for almost six months. He had already lost his status as a top 10 player at the time and he is now outside the top 50.
However, he has started the year extremely well. It almost feels like taking six months off mid-season is the new remedy for success, with Federer and Djokovic being prime examples. Berdych reached the finals in Qatar which is perfect preparation for Melbourne.
This is the first meeting between Berdych and Schwartzman. The Argentine has been pushed hard in his two matches in Australia while Berdych has sailed through with ease against opponents well above those Schwartzman has beaten. Berdych is in form right now and I cannot see Schwartzman stopping him.
Prediction: Tomas Berdych to win in straight sets
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Nikoloz Basilashvili
This will be very interesting because Basilashvili has markedly improved during the last 18 months but at this moment I am not so convinced with Basilashvili's fitness if this match goes to five sets.
Tsitsipas though will need to work hard on his break points conversion. He won only 4 of his 19 chances against Troicki but will have too much firepower for the Georgian.
Prediction: Stefanos Tsitsipas to win in five sets
Roger Federer vs Taylor Fritz
Taylor Fritz produced a gutsy win over Gael Monfils in the previous round to equal his best appearance at a Grand Slam. However, he will have a tough assignment against the defending champion Federer.
The Swiss actually looked a level below his usual best against Dan Evans, but at this stage, it does not matter how you win.
Prediction: Roger Federer to win in straight sets
Alex de Minaur vs Rafael Nadal
The last thing Alex de Minaur would have wanted before facing Rafa was playing a five-setter. The Australian survived a tougher test than he could imagine against Henri Laaksonen.
Nadal meanwhile, is looking to eliminate a third Australian on the trot. But De Minaur is the best of the bunch. I think he will take at least a set in this match, however, Nadal's big game experience will be decisive.
Prediction: Rafael Nadal to win in four sets
Karen Khachanov vs Roberto Bautista-Agut
Bautista-Agut is such a warrior. His baseline game can be so impenetrable at times. He is probably the most in-form player this year judging by his achievements. However, he has translated what looked like routine victories into complicated matches.
He was two sets up against both Murray and Millman and still needed the drama of a five-setter. This is a real worry because Khachanov at present is a much tougher assignment. The Russian is not just another 'servebot' due to his height because he complements his service games with powerful strokes from either wing. I fancy Khachanov to win five.
Prediction: Karen Khachanov to win in five sets