Rafael Nadal (1) v. Bernard Tomic
Certainly the most anticipated match-up scheduled for those who live down under. The Aussie teen Tomic gets to show off his improved forehand and surprising level-headed behavior on court. Definitely a step ahead of fellow peer Grigor Dimitrov, who seemed to sport a fatalistic attitude during his 2nd round loss to Stan Wawrinka. Dimitrov has also been notorious for mistreating chair umpires and his unruly temper, but he is a prospect to watch. Tomic is likely to lose this match, however, if he manages to pull a set out of the affair he will have convinced the world that he is running in the right direction.
Prediction: Rafael Nadal in 4 sets.
John Isner (20) v. Marin Cilic (15)
Isner is on fire and the American looks ready to compete against higher seed and impressive Croatian shot-maker Marin Cilic. Cilic has struggled in his recent tournaments, but seems to have picked his performance up at the start of the tournament. Isner, on the other hand, looks prime as he showcased an improved service return in his win over Czech veteran Radek Stepanek. Definitely a match to watch.
Prediction: Isner in 5 sets.
Richard Berankis v. David Ferrer (7)
The young Lithuanian Berankis is an up and comer with top 10 talent and is a worthy opponent for Ferrer. The length of the match will be completely reliant on Berankis' composure throughout the match, but both of these players seem to be evenly matched (perhaps with a slight edge to Ferrer for experience). Expect this to be an entertaining match and hopefully Berankis will be able to make his first major breakthrough.
Prediction: Berankis in 4 sets.
Jurgen Melzer (11) v. Marcos Baghdatis
A solid first-time matchup between two very established baseliners, definitely a likely candidate for the match to watch of the 3rd round. Baghdatis glided by USO champion Juan-Martin DelPotro in his last match proving that he belongs to stay in Australia a little-bit longer than expected. Jurgen wont be an easy match though, so Marcos has his work put in for him.
Prediciton: Baghdatis in 5 sets.
Kei Nishikori v. Fernando Verdasco (5)
Kei Nishikori is a worker and has really impressed the tennis community with his solid game and huge forehand. A steady player he will definitely test Verdasco in their 3rd round meeting. The only thing that separates these two is Verdasco's overwhelming court presence and impressive play under pressure as of late (seriously, that comeback he made to put down Janko was downright ridiculous).
Predicition: Verdasco in 4 sets.
Stanislas Wawrinka (19) v. Gael Monfils (12)
As of late, Wawrinka has been in full stride this AO and looks ready to take on a challenge like Monfils. If it were a plain tennis match I would say Wawrinka would dominate, however, Monfils' superhuman athleticism makes it a lop-sided affair. We'll see whether Wawrinka can pull a win together, but that will be up to Monfils to decide.
Prediction: Monfils in 5 sets.
