The Australian Open is here, and upsets are already brewing! Can the top seeds survive the early rounds, or will we see some shocking exits? Day 2 promises a loaded schedule with 28 men's singles matches, and our tennis experts at LastWordOnTennis are breaking down the most intriguing matchups. We’re diving deep into four matches in this article, but be sure to check out our other previews covering 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. (Links provided for your convenience!). Our team of analysts – Yesh Ginsburg, Zain Mustafa, and Ilemona Onekutu – have put their reputations on the line with their predictions. But we want to know what you think! Who are your picks for Day 2? Let's get into the predictions!
Thiago Agustin Tirante vs. Aleksandar Vukic
Yesh:
Tirante shows flashes of brilliance, especially on clay courts where his game is more developed. However, on the hard courts of Melbourne, he still needs to refine his game. While Tirante possesses a higher potential ceiling than Vukic in the long run, Vukic is better suited to win this particular match.
Prediction: Vukic in 4 sets
Zain:
Tirante is a grinder from the baseline, at his best when he can wear down opponents on clay. But the faster hard court surface will amplify Vukic's strengths: a powerful serve and flatter groundstrokes that penetrate the court with more pace. This surface favors Vukic.
Prediction: Vukic in 3 sets
Ilemona:
Vukic has a distinct advantage playing in his home country, fueled by the crowd's energy. His ability to take the ball early and dictate the tempo of rallies will be crucial. Tirante will definitely put up a fight, but the conditions in Melbourne Park strongly favor Vukic's aggressive style of play.
Prediction: Vukic in 4 sets
Adrian Mannarino vs. Rinky Hijikata
Yesh:
Hijikata bursts with potential, but has struggled with consistency. However, he tends to elevate his game when playing in front of an Australian crowd. Mannarino, while no longer in the slump he experienced a few years back, is nearing the end of his career. I think Hijikata will feed off the home crowd and secure a win.
Prediction: Hijikata in 4 sets
Zain:
Hijikata is an exciting player, and the electric atmosphere of a home crowd could inspire him to play some incredible tennis. But here's where it gets controversial... Mannarino's unorthodox flat ball, a tricky proposition for many players, is particularly effective on the Melbourne courts. It neutralizes pace and disrupts rhythm, which could be the deciding factor.
Prediction: Mannarino in 4 sets
Ilemona:
Mannarino's signature flat shots and ability to take time away from his opponents can be incredibly frustrating, especially for players who rely on a consistent rhythm. Over the course of a long match, this awkward style should disrupt Hijikata's flow and force errors.
Prediction: Mannarino in 4 sets
Quentin Halys vs. Alejandro Tabilo
Yesh:
Halys arguably possesses more raw talent, particularly on hard courts. However, neither player has displayed exceptional form leading up to the Australian Open, making this a difficult match to predict. I anticipate a lengthy battle, which I believe will ultimately favor Tabilo's variety and tactical acumen over Halys' brute power.
Prediction: Tabilo in 5 sets
Zain:
Both of these players are capable of hitting some impressive groundstrokes, promising an exciting match for the spectators. Tabilo's left-handedness always presents a unique challenge with the angles he can create, but Halys is the more polished and consistent player on a hard court.
Prediction: Halys in 5 sets
Ilemona:
Halys' powerful serve will earn him plenty of free points. And this is the part most people miss... Tabilo's exceptional movement and crafty left-handed patterns can draw errors from Halys in extended rallies. If the match turns into a battle of attrition, Tabilo holds the advantage.
Prediction: Tabilo in 3 sets
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. Nuno Borges
Yesh:
Is Felix Auger-Aliassime finally poised to make a deep run at a Grand Slam? While defeating players like Alcaraz and Sinner may still be a bridge too far, the Canadian displayed significant improvement last year and appears ready to compete at that level. I expect Auger-Aliassime to win this match comfortably.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3 sets
Zain:
On his best days, Borges can challenge any player with his high-risk, high-reward style of play. But Auger-Aliassime, in the latter half of 2025, looked like one of the best players in the world for extended periods. If he maintains that momentum, serves effectively, and avoids backhand errors, this should be a relatively straightforward victory.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3 sets
Ilemona:
Borges is a fierce competitor, but Auger-Aliassime's powerful serve and forehand combination can quickly create separation on hard courts. If he protects his service games and dictates play from the baseline, control should follow, leading to a decisive win.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 4 sets
So, there you have it – our predictions for these exciting Day 2 matchups at the Australian Open! Do you agree with our experts, or do you see some upsets on the horizon? But here's where it gets controversial... Is Auger-Aliassime truly ready to contend for a Grand Slam title, or is he still a step below the very best? Let us know your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! We're eager to hear your perspectives and discuss these matches with you. Who will be the dark horse of this tournament? What are the biggest potential upsets you foresee? Join the conversation!
