An intriguing second-round clash between Novak Djokovic and Gael Monfils is part of Thursday’s schedule at the Australian Open. Ricky Dimon of The Grandstand and Steen Kirby of Tennis Atlantic preview four of the best matchups and make their picks.
(14) Novak Djokovic vs. Gael Monfils
Ricky: The most highly-anticipated second-round matchup when the draw was revealed has become a reality. But will it become a good match? That is far from a guarantee. Djokovic is sweeping the head-to-head series 14-0 at the ATP level, with about half of those 14 being competitive. The former world No. 1 was positively dominant in his return from a six-month layoff on Tuesday, destroying Donald Young 6-1, 6-2, 6-4. Monfils is way better than Young, but the Frenchman rarely brings his best against Djokovic. Djokovic in 3: 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
Steen: Djokovic looked to be close enough to his best and with Monfils in great form as well, that makes this match even more interesting. The Serb dominates the head-to-head history, but streaks tend to end at some point–and unlike Young, Monfils should be able to pressure the Djokovic serve. I’m not convinced Djokovic will be fully back in the groove against a motivated and talented opponent. Monfils in 5: 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5.
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Karen Khachanov vs. (12) Juan Martin Del Potro
Ricky: They just faced each other for the first time last week in the Auckland quarterfinals, with Del Potro getting the job done 7-6(4), 6-3. The Argentine ended up finishing runner-up to Roberto Bautista Agut–a solid first tournament of the 2018 season. Impressively, Del Potro bounced right back to beat Frances Tiafoe in straight sets on Tuesday, whereas Bautista Agut flamed out fast against Fernando Verdasco. Not unlike Tiafoe, Khachanov is of the Del Potro mold (huge-hitting, especially big forehand) but does nothing notably better than the world No. 10. Del Potro in 3: 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-4.
Steen: Del Potro looked great in round one and last week he wasn’t troubled by his Russian opponent in Auckland. It would be a monumental upset for Del Potro to fall in this match, and he looks set to make a serious run at the title. Del Potro in 3: 7-6, 6-4, 6-4.
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Hyeon Chung vs. Daniil Medvedev
Ricky: These two 21-year-olds squared off at the NextGen ATP Finals in Milan, which counts in the official records but shouldn’t. For whatever it’s worth (not much!), Chung prevailed in five sets. What is notable is that the South Korean took the NextGen title and went undefeated in the process. He is the most consistent of the up-and-comers right now despite arguably being less talented than Andrey Rublev, Denis Shapovalov, and perhaps even Medvedev. The Russian has to be tired; he captured his first ATP title last week in Sydney and needed four tough sets to beat Thanasi Kokkinakis on Tuesday. Chung in 4: 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-3, 7-6(5).
Steen: This should be a seeded matchup in slams soon enough. Chung is a steady player at this point in his career and Medvedev did not do himself any favors having to battle for four sets against an injured Kokkinakis. Chung should defeat the Sydney champion. Chung in 4: 3-6, 7-6, 7-5, 6-2.
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Jiri Vesely vs. (26) Adrian Mannarino
Ricky: This won’t make any headlines because Mannarino and Vesely quietly go about their business and never make any noise to the media. It is, however, a nice contrast in styles. Mannarino is a crafty left-hander who mixes up pace better than almost anyone. Vesely is a mostly one-dimensional big-hitter, although also a lefty. In that matchup, guile usually wins. It will likely win again in this one, as the Frenchman goes into it in overall better form. Mannarino in 4: 6-4, 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-1.
Steen: This is a fantastic chance for either player to make the third round. Vesely needs to make a run sometime soon to avoid become a young gun who lost his way. Mannarino has really upped his game in the past 12 months and a lot of the tennis world still hasn’t taken notice. The Frenchman should win this. Mannarino in 4: 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5.
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