The first Grand Slam of the year has finished its first round and here are our Australian Open 2024 Round 2 Predictions.
Australian Open Round 2 Predictions – Men’s tournament
So far, we can be pretty satisfied and confident with our Australian Open Predictions, we got most of it right during the first couple of days, but there were of course a bunch of surprises.
We talk through some results and predict round 2 in a video on our YouTube channel. You will get every result for the round discussed there. If you are interested in placing a bet, we have a guide from our betting expert, Stefan, on how to find the best odds and value bets for the Australian Open.
The shining star of round 1 to me was not a winner, but a player who lost the match and that was Dino Prizmic, who pushed Novak Djokovic to four highly competitive and entertaining sets. I predicted four sets in this match, but even though I expected a lot from the Croatian youngster, I did not expect to play the way he did.
Very promising, despite the loss.
Since I detail all my predictions in the above-mentioned video, I want to single out a couple of matches to pay extra attention to. You can check out the full draws on the Australian Open website.
Interesting matches in the men’s tournament round 2
We got to mention Djokovic again as he plays home player Alexei Popyrin. They have only played once before, in Tokyo 2019, where Djokovic won in straight sets. But, Popyrin, ranked 43, does bring the firepower and can trouble the Serbian number one. Still, it should not be enough for more than a set, so the prediction is 3-1 to Djokovic.
Monfils vs Etcheverry
Both players won their opening matches easily and should be somewhat equally matched in strength. We know Monfils likes a five-setter and I think that is what we’re going to get here. I believe Etcheverry will clinch it in five sets.
Fritz vs Gaston
Hugo Gaston got into the tournament as a lucky loser, but his tricky game can disturb Fritz. The American had to fight through five sets in the first round, and I’m pretty sure he wants to avoid that here. I think Fritz will get it done in four sets.
Musetti vs Assche
These two youngers should be able to put on a show for the crowd. Van Assche is a crafty player without clear weaknesses, but not the power and finesse of a player like Musetti. This match should conjure up some good rallies. Musetti to win in four.
De Minaur vs Arnaldi
De Minaur did not have to exert himself against Raonic (who retired), but Italian young gun Arnaldi should prove more challenging. I think this one goes the distance and De Minaur takes it.
Eubanks vs Rublev
Fun match-up. Eubanks relies a lot on his serve and aggression, while Rublev can pound balls from the baseline for hours. Rublev struggled in his first-round match, but I think he will be more clinical here and win in four.
Fils vs Griekspoor
I believe strongly in Fils, but Griekspoor proved himself by returning from 0-2 in sets against Safiullin. Not sure that will help here, though, Fils in four.
Dimitrov vs Kokkinakis
In-form Dimitrov vs hometown hero, Kokkinakis. There will be some exciting tennis in this one. If it goes the distance, I pick Kokkinakis, but I think Dimitrov will finish it before, in four.
Paul vs Draper
This is another match with good potential. Tommy Paul broke through at the Australian Open last year and has now cemented himself as a top class player. Draper is more of an up-and-comer, but he can beat anyone with his strong attacking tennis. Draper’s anxiety attack that drove him to throw up after his win against Giron is now in the past, but I think Paul is the more solid player and will win in four.
Sonego vs Alcaraz
Sonego is a fighter, but will that help against Alcaraz? Not likely, no. But he will steal a set, I’m sure. 3-1 to Alcaraz.
Australian Open Round 2 Predictions – Women’s tournament
There were no real shockers in the women’s tournament during the first round. Naomi Osaka did not manage to overcome Garcia, but that was a tough draw on paper. Yastremska’s demolition job of Wimbledon champ Vondrousova was a big surprise, to be fair.
Interesting matches
Swiatek vs Collins
Swiatek got through Kenin without trouble, but her second-round pairing is not easy either. We know that Danielle Collins can fight, but she has not shown impressive form recently and Swiatek should take this in straight sets. Maybe not a trip to the bakery, though.
Ostapenko vs Tomljanovic
In-form Grand Slam winner vs home town favorite. Tomljanovic can play tennis on the highest level, but is not quite there yet to threaten Ostapenko, who won her warm-up tournament. Ostapenko in three.
Tauson vs Azarenka
This is quite an interesting encounter, especially since Tauson is a promising youngster and Azarenka is a veteran in the game. Tough one to predict, but I will pick Tauson in three here.
Stephens vs Kasatkina
Two strong names on collision already in round 2. Stephens has dropped a bit in the rankings, but she has a 3-1 head-to-head which should count for something. I will go Stephens in 3.
Fernandez vs Parks
Many pundits are talking about Fernandez being a contender in this tournament and I think they are right. However, Alycia Parks is a rising start and extremely tough to beat. I think the contrasting style of big hitter (Parks) vs clever counter-puncher will serve up some good entertainment.
Jabeur vs Andreeva
I talked about this match in my first predictions video and predicted the upset. I stand by this and the best tennis betting sites seem to agree, Andreeva is even a favorite in the odds. Andreeva in 3.
Badosa vs Pavlyuvchenkova
Not an easy one for Badosa who is back after injury and started with a solid win over Townsend. I still think she will get through here in two tough sets.
Summary
What do you think of these Australian Open 2024 round 2 predictions? Are they entirely up the wall? Do they make some sense? Did I miss something? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to watch some tennis.
