Ricky Dimon of The Grandstand and Steen Kirby of Tennis Atlantic preview and pick the four best men’s singles matches on Monday at the Australian Open. Bernard Tomic, Thomaz Bellucci, Nicolas Almagro, and Jeremy Chardy are among those in action.
(27) Bernard Tomic vs. Thomaz Bellucci
Ricky: Like most Tomic matches, this one could be either really entertaining or really all-around terrible. The Aussie’s fitness has been called into question and Bellucci is always a question mark physically, so this match has a chance of ending in retirement. But it may develop into a five-set thriller. The pro-Aussie crowd could get to Bellucci. Tomic in 5.
Steen: Tomic is in terrible shape and I’m not sure he has his head on straight for this match. Although Bellucci isn’t in great form, he leads the head-to-head series 2-1–including a 6-2, 6-2 win on an outdoor hard court last fall in Shenzhen. The Brazilian knows how to attack Tomic’s unorthodox, slower groundstrokes. Bellucci in 4.
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Nicolas Almagro vs. Jeremy Chardy
Ricky: A 5-0 head-to-head series advantage for Almagro is tough to explain. Perhaps it’s mental; Almagro is a respected fighter, whereas Chardy often loafs around and hopes he can out-talent opponents with huge serves and forehands. That hasn’t worked of late, with the Frenchman falling to No. 72 in the world. Almagro seems to have more fire in him and I think he’ll want this one more. Almagro in 4.
Steen: Chardy is a dangerous player when his form is on, as witnessed this past week in Auckland where he lost to eventual champion Jack Sock in a competitive three-setter in the quarterfinals. But I can’t go against the 5-0 head-to-head lead for Almagro. The Spaniard isn’t the player he was during his prime, but he’s still more than capable of winning a match or two at slams. Almagro in 5.
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Ryan Harrison vs. Nicolas Mahut
Ricky: If this was in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Mahut would win. Heck, Mahut would beat just about anyone in ‘s-Hertogenbosch…or on any grass court. But this one is on the hard stuff–and not particularly fast hard stuff, either. Harrison picked up plenty of momentum throughout the second half of 2016 and maintained it by qualifying in Auckland, reaching the second round, and pushing Sock to three. Harrison in 5.
Steen: Harrison will salt away enough points to take at least a set in this match. He may even take two. But it won’t be enough, because I like the serve-and-volleying of Mahut. The veteran should be able to keep Harrison back on the baseline and eventually prevail. Mahut in 5.
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Karen Khachanov vs. Adrian Mannarino
Ricky: Khachanov is up to No. 52 in the world and a captured an ATP title in Chengdu last fall. But no one really pays attention to the fall swing–especially not to a 250-point events during the fall swing. So the 20-year-old Russian is still relatively unknown. He won’t be after this season. Khachanov will be able to dictate against a solid but unspectacular Mannarino. Khachanov in 4.
Steen: Mannarino is a solid baseliner and he won a Challenger title to start the season. But against tougher competition in Auckland, the Frenchman lost right away to Marcos Baghdatis 6-4, 6-4. Khachanov won their only previous meeting 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 in Chengdu. Assuming he doesn’t fatigue in the heat, the 20-year-old should rise to the occasion once again. Khachanov in 4.
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who ya got?
Khachanov in five Almagro in five Harrison in four Tomic in five