Australian Open 2019, Day 8: Men’s singles predictions

As the tennis world is digesting news of Roger Federer’s shocking defeat to NextGen star Stefanos Tsitsipas, there are still plenty in store in round four for the remaining four matches.

Here are the predictions for men’s singles matches on Day 8 of the 2019 Australian Open.

Borna Coric vs Lucas Pouille

Borna Coric had never made past the first round of the Australian Open prior to this year’s tournament. However, he has been in form this time and that could push him up the rankings and crack the top 10. Regarding his match up against Lucas Pouile, one may fancy Coric not just due to his ranking, but because he has a superior game overall.

Prediction: Borna Coric to win in four sets

Novak Djokovic vs Daniil Medvedev

This has the potential to turn out into an awkward match for Djokovic. Medvedev is a very aggressive player who likes to go for his shots from the baseline, regardless of committing an unforced error. But playing that sort of game against the Serb may still be not enough. Djokovic ‘s return against Shapovalov was beyond belief at times. He did have one blip in the third set but once he raised his level in the fourth, the Canadian could not live with him. Djokovic is a massive favorite here and rightly so.

Prediction: Novak Djokovic to win in straight sets

Alexander Zverev vs Milos Raonic

Raonic is such a big serving machine, especially on hard courts. Raonic has been winning over 80% on his first serve and playing solid this tournament. Zverev came up short against the biggest players on the biggest nights in the past. The game Raonic could definitely test his mental resolve. Expect Ranoic to go through to the quarter-final.

Prediction: Milos Raonic to win in four sets

Kei Nishikori vs Pablo Carreno Busta

Nishikori started slow but came alive in the game against Sousa. Carreno Busta has been quietly sneaking through the draw and is one match away from a quarterfinal. Nishikori is a better all-round player than the Spaniard and is coming off a title win in Brisbane. Expect him to cruise past Carreno Busta.

Prediction: Kei Nishikori to win in straight sets