Predicted Winners in BOLD

Form should generally hold, but expect a few more upsets than the first two days: I wish I had a ticket as this is a great slate of matches.

[2] Roger Federer (SUI) vs Simone Bolelli (ITA) – I don’t think this is the easiest match for Roger. Depending on how sharp he is, I could see this match go 4 sets.

[3] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs Tim Smyczek (USA) – His draw is soft enough that Rafa is likely underselling his chances at a second title Down Under.

[6] Andy Murray (GBR) vs Marinko Matosevic (AUS) – I could see this match go four sets as well.

[22] Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) vs. Bernard Tomic (AUS) – Consistency vs. an erratic hometown player

[10] Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) vs  Lukas Lacko (SVK) – This is another really good match.  I like Dimitrov, but we are living in an era of few bad matches on the men’s tour.

Sam Groth (AUS) vs. [WC] Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) – I will take the hot hand to pull a mild upset.

[24] Richard Gasquet (FRA) vs [WC] James Duckworth (AUS) – Am I crazy to take Gasquet?

[29] Jérémy Chardy (FRA) vs. Andreas Seppi (ITA) – I see this match going 5.  Flip a coin

[7] Tomas Berdych (CZE) vs. [Q] Jurgen Melzer (AUT) – Another match that could become complicated.

[23] Ivo Karlovic (CRO) vs Nick Kyrgios (AUS) – I expect a lot of long grinding rallies Take cover

[20] David Goffin (BEL) vs. Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) – Goffin is playing quite well.

[28] Lukas Rosol (CZE) vs.Dudi Sela (ISR) – A 50-50 match

[26] Leonardo Mayer (ARG) vs Viktor Troicki (SRB) – Mayer’s style should benefit from the court speed and the possible heat.

[14] Kevin Anderson (RSA) vs Ricardas Berankis (LTU) – Mr. Anderson in 4 or 5 sets

Edouard Roger-Vasselin (FRA)  vs. Malek Jaziri (TUN)

[32] Martin Klizan (SVK) vs Joao Sousa (POR) – I like Klizan’s game, but I think the bounces in Melbourne will favor Sousa.