Second-round action at the Australian Open continues on Day 5, with several top players looking to build momentum in Melbourne. World No. 2 Jannik Sinner headlines the day against local favorite James Duckworth, while Casper Ruud faces Jaume Munar in a baseline-heavy clash. Elsewhere, Botic van de Zandschulp meets rising talent Juncheng Shang, and Hubert Hurkacz takes on American Ethan Quinn. Offering their insights and predictions are Ilemona Onekutu, Steen Kirby, and Zain Mustafa. Who will advance?

Australian Open Day 5 Men’s Predictions
Jannik Sinner vs James Duckworth

Ilemona: Sinner’s opener was all about control, moving through his first-round match without spending unnecessary energy and striking the ball cleanly off both wings. Duckworth fed off the home support to advance, but sustaining that level against Sinner’s depth and return pressure is a far taller task.

Prediction: Sinner in 3

Steen: 22-4 at the Australian Open, is Sinner going to even be challenged here? Duckworth is a brave player, especially in Melbourne but the career journeyman is 33 and 6-16 at the AO. Sinner would need to play shockingly poorly to lose to a high level ATP Challenger Tour opponent.

Prediction: Sinner in 3

Zain: Jannik Sinner’s campaign came to the perfect start as he dropped just three games in the two sets he was asked to play. And while once upon a time in 2021 James Duckworth got the better of the Italian, the Sinner he will be facing here is multiple levels above that version.

Prediction: Sinner in 3

Casper Ruud vs Jaume Munar

Ilemona: Ruud looked composed in round one, using heavy topspin to patiently wear down resistance. Munar impressed with his defensive work in his opener, yet hard courts still limit his ability to turn rallies in his favor.

Prediction: Ruud in 4

Steen: Munar is playing well and won a career high 28 tour level matches last year. Ruud 13-8 in his career at the AO, struggles against the very top players but should still be good enough to slide past a second level opponent like Munar.

Prediction: Ruud in 3

Zain: Jaume Munar had a lucky escape in the first round, and now against Casper Ruud, it is expected to be a baseline battle. While Munar has improved his hard-court game considerably over the past year, Ruud has shown time and time again in this matchup that his forehand potency is just too much for the Spaniard.

Prediction: Ruud in 4

Botic van de Zandschulp vs Juncheng Shang

Ilemona: Van de Zandschulp’s first-round performance showed improved sharpness, particularly on serve, which helped him stay in control of key moments. Shang played freely and aggressively, but that approach can unravel when forced to defend deeper in the court.

Prediction: Van de Zandschulp in 5

Steen: Van de Zandschulp is more than 50 spots away from his career high ranking and has never been particularly amazing in Melbourne. His recent form is respectable though, while Shang is already having a better season than he did last year. Shang has more upside.

Prediction: Shang in 4

Zain: Both Botic van de Zandschulp and Juncheng Shang played aggressive tennis in the first round, and this matchup should continue that trend. Botic will look to make the most of his serve and take the ball on the rise, but if Shang has yet another strong day on his forehand, he could very well win this match.

Prediction: Shang in 4

Ethan Quinn vs Hubert Hurkacz

Ilemona: Quinn came through his opener riding confidence and attacking instinct, especially on return. Hurkacz, though, served efficiently in round one and looked comfortable shortening points, which should blunt Quinn’s momentum.

Prediction: Hurkacz in 4

Steen: Hurkacz was looking comfortable at the United Cup and that extended into the Australian Open. Quinn, 12-18 at tour level last year, is finally finding his footing on the ATP Tour. Hurkacz is in full dark horse mode and should find a way closer to the second week here.

Prediction: Hurkacz in 4

Zain: Ethan Quinn’s demolition of an underconfident Tallon Griekspoor in the first round was impressive, but Hubert Hurkacz’s baseline rhythm, backhand consistency, and superior serve present too many obstacles for the American to overcome.

Prediction: Hurkacz in 3

Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images