- Alexander Zverev [3] v John Millman
- Belinda Bencic [22] v Amanda Anisimova
- Gael Monfils [17] v Alexander Bublik
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Three entertaining matches headline the start of the second round action at the Australian Open as contenders make their claim for the title.
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Alexander Zverev [3] v John Millman H2H & Match Fundamentals
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Alexander Zverev [3] v John Millman |
H2H: Zverev leads 2-0 |
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Australian Open 2022 |
Melbourne, Australia |
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Hard (O) |
Prize Money: A$140,000 |
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5th on Rod Laver Arena (09:30 GMT) |
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Alexander Zverev is looking to make the most of his draw after Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal means he is the highest seed left in the top half of the draw. A tough straight sets win over Daniel Altmaier means there is still work to do if he is to lift his first grand slam title in Melbourne. However having won the Olympics and the ATP Finals in the last six months than there will be fewer players who believe they can win this title more than Zverev does.
A potential banana skin opponent awaits in the second round for Zverev in the form of John Millman. The grinding baseliner is used to performing when it really matters in Australia and will look to cause an upset here. After nearly shocking Roger Federer a few years ago, the Aussie will have full confidence that he can do the same to Zverev this year.
This will be a tough test for the German and a stern challenge to see whether he is up to the task of winning a grand slam. The crowd will play a big factor in Millman’s performance but Zverev should have enough given the levels of the German’s serve and how much experience he has had in these types of matches. If Millman does want to pull off a seismic shock than he will have to be aggressive rather than passive.
Prediction: Zverev in four sets.
Belinda Bencic [22] v Amanda Anisimova H2H & Match Fundamentals
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Belinda Bencic [22] v Amanda Anisimova |
H2H: Bencic leads 1-0 |
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Australian Open 2022 |
Melbourne, Australia |
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Hard (O) |
Prize Money: A$140,000 |
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3rd on KIA Arena (04:00 GMT) |
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Belinda Bencic is looking to capitalise on a positive second half of last season after reaching the quarter-finals and winning Olympic gold. The Swiss got off to a good start in a tricky opening match against Kristina Mladenovic. Bencic will firmly believe that now is her time for a grand slam breakthrough and on her day can power past anyone. The question remains does she have the discipline and consistency to sustain the challenge?
It doesn’t get any easier for Bencic though as she faces talented American Amanda Anisimova. Since reaching the Roland Garros semi-finals in 2019, Anisimova hasn’t really made a statement of any note but has been on supreme form since the start of the year. Now working with Darren Cahill on a temporary basis, the American won the title at the Melbourne Summer Set and has a new consistent power about her game. Can this confidence help her to a magical run at Melbourne?
This match will be all about power as attack is their only defence with both players being confident in their games. It will be an intense match and experience is with Bencic but just get the sense that Anisimova has the mentality that she can beat anybody on the tour. Whatever the outcome it should be a great spectacle.
Prediction: Anisimova in three sets.
Gael Monfils [17] v Alexander Bublik H2H & Match Fundamentals
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Gael Monfils [17] v Alexander Bublik |
H2H: Bublik leads 1-0 |
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Australian Open 2022 |
Melbourne, Australia |
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Hard (O) |
Prize Money: A$140,000 |
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5th on Margaret Court Arena (09:30 GMT) |
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This time last year, Gael Monfils was in tears questioning whether he could reach his top level again and be healthy. 12 months later the Frenchman starts the year with a title and is now presented with an opportunity to reach a grand slam quarter-final. Now with the pressure can Monfils react and live up to expectation?
Next for Monfils will be a tough match in fellow eccentric showman, Alexander Bublik. The Kazakh has consistently been improving and been causing problems for all types of opponents in big events. Now Bublik will hope to translate that form into a deep grand slam run.
This match will have big serving, trick shots and entertaining rallies as two showmen do battle for a place in the third round of a grand slam. The temp will be high as will the stakes, Monfils with his new found motivation and added experience should edge through here but the margin is small.
Prediction: Monfils in five sets.
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