Predicted Winners in BOLD

ROD LAVER ARENA

(16) Fabio Fognini (ITA) v (2) Rafael Nadal (ESP) – I am expecting a close match that might even go 5 sets. I will not be shocked if Fognini wins, but I think Rafa prevails in 4 or 5 sets facing down his first big test of the 2021 Australian Open.

(5) Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRC) v (9) Matteo Berrettini (ITA) – Two tall guys that move well and are seeded in the top 10. This is good news if one is looking at the future of tennis, but I think Tsitsipas is nearing the point in which he could win a major so I give him the slight edge.

MARGARET COURT ARENA

Mackenzie McDonald (USA) v (4) Daniil Medvedev (RUS) – McDonald has done quite well. Medvedev had an odd wobble during the 3rd and 4th sets of his 3rd round match. Still, I like Medvedev.

(7) Andrey Rublev (RUS) v (24) Casper Ruud (NOR) – I am picking Rublev and not just because remembering Ruud’s father makes me feel old. I think Rublev wins in 3 or 4 sets.