Australian Open Day 6 predictions including Djokovic vs Machac

The action at the Australian Open continues on the sixth day with the start of the third round. Eight men’s singles matches are on the program, including the duel between 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic and number 26 seed Tomas Machac. Our other prediction article is about Carlos Alcaraz vs Nuno Borges. Damian Kust, Ateet Shrivastava and Liam McBride predict this series of games. Who do you think will advance?

Men’s Australian Open Day 6 Predictions

Jack Draper vs. Aleksandar Vukic

Damian
Draper already spending 8.5 hours on the court won’t help him here, but there is a difference in quality between him and Vukic that could be enough to overcome it. The Australian has a strong serve and can play with consistent spin from the ground when he wants, giving him a chance to compete in a more difficult competition. But let’s assume Draper can get another win before he runs out of steam in the fourth round.
Prediction: Draper in 4th

Ateet
Draper came close to losing in the second round, but his fighting spirit helped him win the match in the end. He had to fight Kokkinakis and the fans, and he will have to do that again in the third round when he faces another Australian player. Aleksandar Vukic defeated Sebastian Korda in a fantastic match and will pose a threat to Draper with his big serve and forehand. However, I will support Draper as he is still a better player if he fulfills his potential.
Prediction: Draper in 4th

Liam
Both Jack Draper and Aleksandar Vukic battled through two five-set matches to reach this stage. So since there are two jaded figures on the pitch, quality and intensity could be neglected in this fight. Draper’s serve will likely prove crucial, giving him free points, while Vukic will have to work harder. This will make all the difference.
Prediction: Draper in 3rd

Jakub Mensik vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina

Damian
Mensik is one of the most in-form players at the moment, having had a lot of confidence in his attacking shots and excellent serves in the first two games. It won’t be easy against someone as versatile as Davidovich Fokina, but it’s been a while since the Spaniard played at the peak of his powers. Mensik is ready for his first major Slam run and would have to put in a slightly disappointing performance to not get it.
Prediction: Mensik in 4

Ateet
Jakub Mensik will be happy not only with his spectacular victory over Casper Ruud, but also with the fact that Alejandro Davidovich Fokina was involved in a long match and will be exhausted. Fokina is in the third round of the Australian Open for the first time and will do her best to win, but Mensik will be in better shape and have more power.
Prediction: Mensik in 4

Liam
Of course, Casper Ruud isn’t at his best, but Jakub Mensik’s performance against him was still extremely impressive. The Czech teenager bullies the sixth seed and continues to go from strength to strength. However, Davidovich Fokina made a statement by knocking out Adelaide champion Felix Auger-Aliassime from two sets down. This will be a similarly long battle, with youth triumphing over experience.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 5

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Arthur Fils against Ugo Humbert

Damian
This was one of the toughest matchups for Fils on tour. The left-handers keep him in the deep backhand corner and it’s not like he can easily accelerate Humbert’s flatter ball. If the younger of the two Frenchmen is to prevail, it will be another monumental effort, like when he saved a match point to beat his compatriot in the final in Tokyo.
Prediction: Humbert in 5

Ateet
Arthur Fils has played two solid games against strong players so far, but this might be the toughest. He competed against Humbert several times last year and will know what to expect from his compatriot. Humbert has had an easier path so far, but he knows he has to play his best tennis to win this match. It’s a close duel between the two as both have big weapons and it comes down to who can perform better. I support the senior Frenchman.
Prediction: Humbert in 5

Liam
The all-French battle that will likely produce fireworks. Humbert is currently playing the better tennis and hasn’t lost a set yet. In contrast, Fils has a higher ceiling but has yet to show a level of consistency that would make him the favorite for this matchup. Should he bring his A game, he will likely win, but based on his performance in the first two rounds, there is little indication that this will be the case.
Prediction: Humbert in 4

Novak Djokovic vs. Tomas Machac

Damian
Djokovic looks vulnerable so far and this is his first serious test. Machac had a lot of trouble returning against Opelka, but we know he feels more comfortable in this duel with two spectacular backhands down the line. It seems tempting to conjure up the surprise, especially considering that the Czech probably doesn’t mind going off the floor with Djokovic, blow for blow. But I’ll probably skip it for another round.
Prediction: Djokovic in 5th

Ateet
Djokovic faced another tough test in the second round against Jaime Faria and appeared sluggish in parts of the match. He finished the match strong and needs to reach that level against Tomas Machac, who is a very dangerous player and can upset Djokovic. I imagine it will take five sets, but Djokovic’s experience should help him get through this.
Prediction: Djokovic in 5th

Liam
It says “Match of the Day” everywhere. Machac’s recovery over the last year has proven to be well worth seeing. His shooting skills are among the best and we have seen him cause problems for the crème de la crème of the sport. In his prime, these flashy and aggressive players were neutralized by Djokovic’s consistency and tolerance for error. Nevertheless, the 24-time Grand Slam champion has taken steps backwards recently. As a consequence, he will face a shock exit.
Prediction: Machac in 4th

Main photo credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports