Rafa gets the middle finger. Four more 5 setters. The top seeds cruise. Another exciting day in Melbourne.
(2) Rafael Nadal def. Michael Mmoh: 6–1, 6–4, 6–2
Nadal and Djokovic have been kryptonite to the Americans this week so far. Mmoh just was no match for Nadal and Rafa made quick work for him. A woman in the stands tried to throw off Rafa with the bird but it’ll take more than that.
Cameron Norrie def. Roman Safiullin: 3–6, 7–5, 6–3, 7(7)-6(3)
After his upset of fellow Brit Dan Evans in round 1, Norrie kept the momentum rolling. He was the favorite in round 2 and after dropping the first set he rallied the troops and won 3 straight to meet his fate in round 2 vs. Rafa.
(21) Alex de Minaur def. Pablo Cuevas: 6–3, 6–3, 7–5
The Aussie had to work slightly harder than he did in round 1 but still handled his opponent fairly easily in round 2. de Minaur is the best shot to see an Australian lift the trophy and he will have his first test in round 3.
(16) Fabio Fognini def. Salvatore Caruso: 4–6, 6–2, 2–6, 6–3, 7(14)-6(12)
Caruso had the Italian on the ropes but Fognini found his stride in the 4th set to force a 5th. Caruso did all he could to extend the tie break but eventually Fognini got the deciding point. Fognini will have to face the crowd in the 3rd round as he meets Australian Alex de Minaur.
(4)Danil Medvedev def. Roberto Carbellas Baena: 6–2, 7–5, 6–1
No one wants to see Medvedev in round 2 and RCB was just a victim of circumstance. You need you A game plus an off day from Danil to knock him out this early and those days don’t come too often. Medvedev cruises to round 3.
(28) Filip Krajinovic def. Pablo Andujar: 6–2, 5–7, 6–1, 6–4
Krajinovic might not be the household Serbian name but he continues to play good tennis and moves on to the 3rd round of this year’s grand slam. His toughest match is ahead of him as Medvedev awaits but Filip will give him a good match.
(9) Matteo Berrittini def. Tomas Machac: 6–3, 6–2, 4–6, 6–3
Berrittini was in control early and despite dropping the 3rd set he was never really in trouble this match. He was the better player and Machac just couldn’t match his power. Berrittini meets a similar player in Karen Khachanov next round.
(19) Karen Khachanov def. Ricardo Berankis: 6–2, 6–4, 6–4
Khachanov cruised past Berankis with ease, Khachanov is a force when he is on his game and he was yesterday. His meeting with Berrittini could end up being one of the more exciting matches of the tournament.
Mikael Ymer def. Carlos Alcaraz: 2–6, 6–4, 6–4, 7(7)-6(5)
This was an easy match to skip over during last nights action but the Swed showed some moxy and looked good in his win. There is no reason for him not to play completely free vs. Tsitsipas in the next round.
(5) Stefanos Tsitsipas def. Thanisai Kokkinakis: 6(5)-7(7), 6–4, 6–1, 6(5)-7(7), 6–4
The Aussies continue to bring all the excitement. Kokkinakis has a strong game and really played with confidence vs. the highly favored Tsitsipas. It went to 5 sets but Stefanos did win his 3 sets fairly easily so it wasn’t the most draining 5 set, but still 5 sets.
Mackenzie McDonald def. (22) Borna Coric: 6–4, 6–2, 4–6, 6–4
McDonald was in no way intimidated by the musclebound Croat. McDonald looked poised and in control all match and Coric was never really in it. McDonald has a real shot to continue to move on in this tournament.
Lloyd Harris def. Alexeis Popyrin: 6–2, 1–6, 6–3, 6(5)-7(7), 6–3
Popyrin only plays electric matches. He was SPENT by the time this 5th set rolled around and Harris still had his legs under him. Harris is some player. Composed from first point to last. Itll be interesting to see who gives in first when Harris faces McDonald next round.
Radu Albot def. Christopher O’Connell: 6–2, 7–5, 7(10)-6(8)
Albot took it to O’Connell right away and although the Australian was finding his stroke it was too late. Albot already took out a ranked foe in round 1 so Casper Ruud will need to be on his game Friday.
(24) Casper Ruud def. Tommy Paul
Ruud is one of the up and coming stars in tennis and once he settled into this match there was not much Paul could do. The American looked good in his own right but Ruud was too much.
Feliciano Lopez def. (31) Lorenzo Sonego: 5–7, 3–6, 6–3, 7–5, 6–4
Lopez looked dead to rights after 2 sets but somehow came back from the dead to win the final 3 sets. This has to hurt for Sonego but when the tides turn in a tennis match they are hard to turn back. Coming off a 5 setter wont bode well for Lopez with Rublev up next.
(7) Andrey Rublev def. Thiago Montero: 6–4, 6–4, 7(10)-6(8)
Montero didnt let Rublev run away with this, but Rublev was hardly ever worried. The Russian is playing great tennis and should continue to move through this field.
