Day seven at Melbourne Park promises to be thrilling, with eight third-round matches scheduled. As usual, the team at LWOT will provide predictions for each contest, including the match between Novak Djokovic and Botic van de Zandschulp. Who will advance to the round of 16 in the Australian Open?
Predictions for Australian Open Day 7
Jannik Sinner vs Eliot Spizzirri
Ateet: The reigning champion exhibited dominance again by defeating James Duckworth with a record 18 aces. Eliot Spizzirri has had a commendable tournament, but to beat the world’s top hard-court player, he’ll need an extraordinary performance.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Yesh: Eliot Spizzirri has enjoyed an impressive week, but it will likely come to an end against the formidable Italian. Sinner’s experience and skill will likely be too much for the former collegiate star.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Andreas: Is anyone poised to challenge Sinner? The two-time defending champion breezed through his last match, while Spizzirri’s inexperience may be a disadvantage on the big courts. Though he brings excitement, it may not be enough against the world number two.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Ben Shelton vs Valentin Vacherot
Ateet: After a tough first round against Ugo Humbert, Shelton is more focused, and that’s where he thrives. He faces another significant challenge against Vacherot, but he should prevail in four sets, if not three.
Prediction: Shelton in 4
Yesh: Valentin Vacherot has shown that his title at the Shanghai Masters wasn’t mere luck, but he’s not currently at that level. Against Shelton, he’ll need every bit of that past form.
Prediction: Shelton in 4
Stan Wawrinka vs Taylor Fritz
Ateet: Stan Wawrinka made a triumphant comeback from a set down against Arthur Gea in a thrilling five-set match. As the oldest player since Ken Rosewall to reach the third round of a Slam, Wawrinka has displayed fine tennis this season, yet his lengthy matches might hinder him against Taylor Fritz.
Prediction: Fritz in 4
Yesh: Is this the final chapter for Stan Wawrinka at the Australian Open? I believe it is. Fritz, assuming he’s fit, should be too strong for this version of Wawrinka over five sets.
Prediction: Fritz in 4
Lorenzo Musetti vs Tomas Machac
Ateet: Lorenzo Musetti was fierce in his recent victory over his compatriot Lorenzo Sonego. Now, facing Tomas Machac, who also plays a one-handed backhand, presents new challenges. This match has the potential to be one of the most exciting of the third round.
Prediction: Musetti in 5
Yesh: While Musetti doesn’t appear equipped to clinch Grand Slam titles yet, he still holds an edge over Machac, despite the Czech player seeming to overcome a recent slump.
Prediction: Musetti in 3
