Are you ready for some bold predictions about the Australian Open Day 2 Men's matches? Day 2 promises a whirlwind of tennis action, with the completion of most of the first round. Prepare for a marathon of 28 men's singles matches! Our tennis experts at LastWordOnTennis have dissected these matchups, offering their insights and predictions. We've broken down the 28 matches into seven comprehensive articles for your viewing pleasure. This article is your guide to four exciting matches, but don't miss our other previews, including Novak Djokovic vs. Pedro Martinez, Daniil Medvedev vs. Jesper de Jong, Tommy Paul vs. Aleksandar Kovacevic, Stan Wawrinka vs. Laslo Djere, Andrey Rublev vs. Matteo Arnaldi, and Denis Shapovalov vs. Yunchaokete Bu. You can find the links to those matches above. Our team of analysts – Yesh Ginsburg, Zain Mustafa, and Ilemona Onekutu – have put their reputations on the line with their picks. But the big question is: who do YOU think will emerge victorious?
Let's dive into our predictions for Day 2 of the Australian Open:
Thiago Agustin Tirante vs. Aleksandar Vukic
Yesh: Tirante shows promise, especially on clay courts, but his hard-court game needs refinement. While he possesses a higher potential ceiling than Vukic, the Australian player is likely to perform better in these conditions right now.
Prediction: Vukic in 4 sets
Zain: Tirante thrives as a baseliner, particularly on clay. However, on the faster hard courts of Melbourne, Vukic's superior serve and flatter hitting style should give him a decisive advantage. Think of it like this: clay rewards patience and long rallies, while hard courts favor power and quick points.
Prediction: Vukic in 3 sets
Ilemona: Vukic's familiarity with playing in Australia, combined with his ability to aggressively take the ball early, positions him to dictate the match. Tirante might put up a fight, but the conditions strongly favor Vukic's playing style. Home court advantage, and a style that fits the surface - it's a potent combination.
Prediction: Vukic in 4 sets
Adrian Mannarino vs. Rinky Hijikata
Yesh: Hijikata hasn't yet achieved the consistency we know he's capable of, but he tends to perform better in Australia compared to other locations. Mannarino, while past the slump he experienced a few years ago, is approaching the twilight of his career. I believe the local favorite will advance.
Prediction: Hijikata in 4 sets
Zain: Hijikata is an electrifying player, and with the backing of a home crowd, he could deliver an inspired performance. However, Mannarino's unorthodox, flat game presents a unique challenge that works effectively on the Melbourne courts. Many players struggle against Mannarino's style because he takes away their rhythm.
Prediction: Mannarino in 4 sets
Ilemona: Mannarino's flat shots and ability to deny his opponents time can frustrate players who rely on rhythm and pace. Over the course of a long match, this awkwardness should disrupt Hijikata's game flow. Think of it like a boxer who throws off their opponent with unusual angles and movements.
Prediction: Mannarino in 4 sets
Quentin Halys vs. Alejandro Tabilo
Yesh: Halys likely possesses more raw talent, especially on hard courts. But here's where it gets controversial... Neither player has displayed exceptional form leading up to this tournament, making the outcome unpredictable. I anticipate a lengthy match, which would favor Tabilo's variety over Halys' raw power.
Prediction: Tabilo in 5 sets
Zain: Both players possess impressive groundstrokes, promising an exciting match. Tabilo's left-handed angles can always pose problems, but Halys is the more polished player on hard courts. A lefty's spin can be tough to handle, but a refined hard-court game is often the key to victory.
Prediction: Halys in 5 sets
Ilemona: Halys' serve provides him with easy points, but Tabilo's movement and left-handed patterns can induce errors in extended rallies. If the rallies become prolonged, Tabilo gains the advantage. It all comes down to who can control the pace and dictate the points.
Prediction: Tabilo in 3 sets
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. Nuno Borges
Yesh: Is Felix Auger-Aliassime finally poised to become a major contender at Grand Slams? While overcoming Alcaraz and Sinner might still be a challenge, based on his performance last year, the Canadian appears ready to reach that level. I anticipate an easy victory for Auger-Aliassime. But and this is the part most people miss... sustained success at majors requires not just talent, but also mental fortitude and strategic adaptability.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3 sets
Zain: On his best days, Borges can challenge any opponent due to his high-risk, high-reward playing style. However, during the second half of 2025, Auger-Aliassime genuinely looked like one of the top players in the world for extended periods. If he maintains that momentum, serves well, and has a solid backhand day, this should be a straightforward win.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3 sets
Ilemona: Borges is a tough competitor, but Auger-Aliassime's serve and forehand can quickly create separation on hard courts. By protecting his service games, Auger-Aliassime should maintain control throughout the match. A powerful serve and forehand are a devastating combination on a fast hard court.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 4 sets
Now it's your turn! Do you agree with our predictions? Which matches are you most excited to watch? And who do you think will be the dark horse of the tournament? Let us know in the comments below! Could Borges pull off an upset? Or is Auger-Aliassime destined for Grand Slam glory this year? The debate is open!
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
