Ricky Dimon of The Grandstand and Pete Ziebron of Tennis Acumen preview and pick the four men’s singles matches on Sunday at the Australian Open. Roger Federer is back in action against David Goffin.
(3) Roger Federer vs. (15) David Goffin
Ricky: Goffin had some near-disastrous mental walkabouts in the first two rounds but survived both in four. He also needed four sets to beat Dominic Thiem on Friday but that featured a much better performance in a very high-quality match. Federer won in four in the third round, as well, in a mediocre showing against Grigor Dimitrov. Facing his idol for the fourth time, Goffin should be less psyched out than he was in the previous meetings. But he is 0-3 lifetime against Federer and that will be 0-4 after this one–but not before flashes of outstanding play from both guys. Federer 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, 6-3.
Pete: Has it really been nearly four years since a relatively unknown Goffin stole the first set in his fourth-round match against his idol Federer at Roland Garros? It has been that long and after a rough patch a few years ago, the trajectory of Goffin’s world ranking has climbed steadily. Both Federer and Goffin played four-set matches in the third round. For Federer, dropping a set was most likely a slight wakeup call and he responded mightily, dropping just five games the rest of the way against Dimitrov. Goffin meanwhile, had to scratch and claw his way to victory against Thiem in one of the more entertaining matches this fortnight. Following the match, Goffin even playfully boasted that he could play his next match that same day. Getting back to reality, expect a near carbon-copy of Federer’s performance against Dimitrov in this match. Federer 6-3, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.
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(9) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs. (7) Kei Nishikori
Ricky: These are two of the most talented, most injury-plagued stars on tour. Tsonga (knee) was the one who dealt with physical problems during the offseason, but now it is Nishikori (wrist) who is question mark. All things being equal, this should be a good one. They faced each other at the same stage of this same tournament in 2012 and it went to five sets, with Nishikori prevailing. Aside from Nishikori’s minor injury scare against Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, both men have been in stellar form through three rounds. Tsonga, who loves it Down Under, is just barely a safer pick. Tsonga 6-3, 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-2.
Pete: Tsonga and Nishikori have met twice before in majors and both have gone the distance, with Nishikori coming back from a two set to one deficit to win four years ago in Melbourne and Tsonga winning last year at Roland Garros. The last round featured familiar scenes involving the players: the trainer was once again called by Nishikori, while Tsonga hit yet another inexplicable one-handed backhand for a winner at a crucial point. Tsonga blasted 23 aces two days ago, while Nishikori managed just a single ace through the first three sets before finishing with five. In short, Tsonga is playing well and too many questions currently cloud the physical ability and reliability of Nishikori’s game, especially as the tournament progresses and he must face better talent. The former Australian Open finalist will prevail. Tsonga 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.
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(24) Roberto Bautista Agut vs. (6) Tomas Berdych
Ricky: A lot of people–me included–thought this would be Marin Cilic vs. Nick Kyrgios. Not so much. Bautista Agut has been on fire of late and Berdych was too good for Kyrgios. At what point is the Spaniard’s run going to end? He won the Auckland title, survived consecutive five-setters on Melbourne, then upset Cilic on Friday. With a 2-3 record against Berdych, Bautista Agut will certainly have belief. But the Czech positively thrives at this tournament and his power may be too much. Berdych 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, 7-6(5).
Pete: So far this January, Bautista Agut has recorded wins over heavy-hitters such as Tsonga, Cilic, John Isner, and Daniel Brands. He also claimed the Auckland title a few weeks ago. Next up is yet another blaster from the baseline in Berdych, who ousted Kyrgios in the second round. Berdych has fared well at the Australian Open, reaching the semis each of the last two years. He also reached the quarters for three consecutive years before finally advancing to the semis in ’14. More recently, Berdych played a highly competitive match against Djokovic in the Doha semis earlier this month. The favorite’s experience, particularly in Melbourne, provides him with a significant advantage in this fourth-round encounter. Berdych 6-4, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3.
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(1) Novak Djokovic vs. (14) Gilles Simon
Ricky: Djokovic leads the head-to-head series 9-1 and it is arguably even more lopsided than that score suggests. That’s because the top-ranked Serb has won eight in a row at Simon’s expense after losing their first showdown back in 2008. Djokovic has done just enough so far in Melbourne to advance without dropping a set. When necessary, he will raise his level–and it may be necessary against Simon. Expect plenty of entertaining rallies, but Djokovic will obviously be way too good for this familiar foe. Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 6-4.
Pete: Since dropping their first meeting way back in 2008, Djokovic has won nine consecutive matches against Simon. After going 27-1 in majors last year, Djokovic is determined to keep his stranglehold on the ATP field and will relish the fact that the competition will continue to get stronger as he continues to advance in the draw. Simon is fortunate to still be playing in Melbourne, as Donskoy wasted golden opportunities to eliminate the Frenchman in the second round. That said, Simon is indeed alive in the draw and will play like the 14th seed that he is in this match. Unfortunately for the underdod, he is facing Djokovi–who currently has all of the answers against any and all opponents. Djokovic 6-3, 6-4, 6-3.
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