ROD LAVER ARENA (11 a.m. start)

[11] David Goffin (BEL) vs [15] Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) – I think Goffin is less likely to have a bad outing.  Otherwise this seems to be a 50-50 match.  There are multiple reasons to pick either player to win, but Goffin’s return and consistency seem less likely to breakdown.

Expect a close match

[3] Milos Raonic (CAN) vs [9] Rafael Nadal (ESP) – If Raonic plays at his top level and Rafa is playing at what I am guessing to be the top level he can reach in 2017, then Raonic is likely to reach the semifinal round.  The problem I see here is that Milos has at times struggled to find his best tennis in big matches.  Also, Rafa is likely to have his effort level and concentration in a spot to punish any dips in Raonic’s play.  I think Rafa wins in 4 or 5 sets so long as he can withstand Milos’ power.