Australian Open R3 previews and predictions: Fritz vs. Wawrinka, Musetti vs. Machac

Following an epic five-setter, Stan Wawrinka will next face Taylor Fritz at the Swiss’ last Australian Open. Lorenzo Musetti takes on the tough Czech opponent Tomas Machac in the third round on Saturday.

(9) Taylor Fritz vs. (WC) Stan Wawrinka

This is one of those matches in which the head-to-head (2-1 in Wawrinka’s favor) means little for prediction. Wawrinka is playing his last Australian Open, as the Swiss veteran heads to retirement at the end of the 2026 season. He is ranked 139th in the world, plagued by knee and foot injuries. But never forget that he is a three-time Grand Slam champion at three different majors (French Open, U.S. Open, and Australian Open) during the era of the Big 3.

Fritz is almost certainly going to win this match — he might even do so with ease given that Wawrinka is coming off a five-set marathon. But the story here is all about the 40-year-old. And rightfully so.

Cheryl pick: Fritz in 4

Ricky pick: Fritz in 3

(5) Lorenzo Musetti vs. Tomas Machac

If you have tickets for this match, you’re probably in for pure entertainment. There isn’t a sheet of paper between these two players. Musetti is much higher ranked, but Machac reeled off five solid wins in Adelaide last week to grab the title. For his part, Musetti made it to the final in Hong Kong but ran into Alexander Bublik — who is the hottest player on tour right now. This would be an entirely worthy quarterfinal; to get it in the third round is a treat for everyone except Musetti and Machac.

I’m giving the slight edge to Musetti — mainly because Machac had to work awfully hard in his second-round match against Stefanos Tsistipas. I just think the Italian is going to be a bit fresher for what promises to be a five-set thriller.

Cheryl pick: Musetti in 5

Ricky pick: Machac in 4