Predicted Winners in BOLD

ROD LAVER ARENA 

[9] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs [24] Alexander Zverev (GER) – Zverev has more than a puncher’s chance, but Rafa has looked sharp and has to feel like his path to the final is clearer than it once was.

[15] Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) vs [18] Richard Gasquet (FRA) – Dimitrov has momentum from Brisbane, but I lean toward experience making the difference here.

MARGARET COURT ARENA

[8] Dominic Thiem (AUT) vs Benoit Paire (FRA) – Thiem has a great chance to reach his 2nd major semifinal.

[6] Gael Monfils (FRA) vs [32] Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) – I am torn, but lean ever so slightly to Monfils to win in 4 or 5 sets.  

HISENSE ARENA

[11] David Goffin (BEL) vs [20] Ivo Karlovic (CRO) – Goffin better take care of his service games, but I think he will do just that and win.

[3] Milos Raonic (CAN) vs [25] Gilles Simon (FRA) – Milos seems locked in mentally, but Simon has a way of eroding his opponent’s level of play over time.  

SHOW COURT 2

[30] Pablo Carreño Busta (ESP) vs Denis Istomin (UZB) – Letdowns usually follow upsets.

SHOW COURT 3

[13] Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) vs [21] David Ferrer (ESP) – A passing of the torch? Probably not, but there is a generational difference on display between the two Spaniards.