Andrey Rublev will face a tough test on Friday as he faces American Sebastian Korda for a spot in the Australian Open round of 16. Italian star Jannik Sinner will also be in third-round action against Sebastian Baez.
(5) Andrey Rublev vs. (29) Sebastian Korda
Sebastian Korda had his best Grand Slam result in Melbourne a year ago, when he advanced to the quarterfinals before he was forced to retire against Russia’s Karen Khachanov. He spent three months recovering from the wrist injury he sustained in that match. Korda struggled a bit in the middle part of the season, but picked up his form again during the fall swing. He earned his spot in the third round this week with wins over Vit Kopriva and Quentin Halys.
Russia’s Andrey Rublev kicked off his 2024 season with a tournament win in Hong Kong. It was a favorable draw, but it was still excellent preparation for this fortnight. Rublev won his first Masters event in Monte-Carlo last year over upstart Holger Rune, and he also made his way to four other finals. Rublev’s No. 5 ranking is a testament to his consistency week in and week out more than it is about stacking up titles.
Rublev holds a 2-0 record over Korda. The American has been in good form, so this could be a barnburner. The issue for Korda is that even when he is healthy, he has a tendency to lose some intensity at important moments in a match. Against a player of Rublev’s caliber, there are likely to be few second chances to get his teeth back in the match if Korda’s focus wanders.
Cheryl pick: Rublev in 5
Ricky pick: Rublev in 3
(4) Jannik Sinner vs. (26) Sebastian Baez
Italy’s Jannik Sinner had an end-of-season surge in 2023 that propelled him into the top four of the rankings. The ATP’s latest star scored two wins over Novak Djokovic in two weeks, and he posted three total singles wins during the Davis Cup Finals to help propel Team Italy to the title. He comes into Melbourne as one of the early favorites for the trophy along with perennial favorite Djokovic and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Sebastian Baez had a rough start to the 2024 season. The Argentine played two warmup events and posted two losses to show for his efforts. Baez earned victories over J.J. Wolf (retired) and Daniel Elahi Galan to earn his spot in the Melbourne third round, but Sinner is a player of a completely different caliber.
Sinner won their only other match–a hard-court meeting a few months ago in Shanghai. Baez actually took a set on that occasion, but Sinner is well-rested as he starts 2024 and playing with plenty of confidence. Baez might keep one of the sets close, but the win should go to Sinner in fairly comfortable fashion.
Cheryl pick: Sinner in 3
Ricky: Sinner in 3
WWW?