Photo credit – The Dallas Open at the Frisco Star
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina takes on Reilly Opelka and his big first serve during round-two action in Melbourne on Wednesday. Another American, Frances Tiafoe, faces off against Francisco Comesana.
(14) Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs. Reilly Opelka
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina had the season of his career in 2025. The Spaniard is sitting at a best-ever ranking of 14th in the world, but he comes up short when he gets the chance to secure a title. He made four finals last year and lost every one of them. Davidovich Fokina is not your standard Spanish clay-courter. He is good on clay, but his four finals in 2025 were all on hard courts.
Reilly Opelka is far from an ideal opponent. The American has one of the most effective first serves in the men’s game — nearly unreturnable when he’s serving well. Davidovich Fokina is the better all-around player, but the outcome of the match will ultimately come down to the No. 14 seed taking his opportunities when they come — and hoping Opelka misses some first serves.
Cheryl pick: Davidovich Fokina in 4
Ricky pick: Davidovich Fokina in 4
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(29) Frances Tiafoe vs. Francisco Comesana
Frances Tiafoe comes into 2026 without coach David Witt and on the back of a disappointing season. He didn’t have a dream start to the new year, winning just one match in Brisbane prior to the start of the Australian Open. He dispatched Australian Jason Kubler in straight sets in the first round.
Fortunately for the American, his matchup with his second-round opponent is favorable. Francisco Comesana has a traditional clay court-style defensive game that isn’t well-suited to handle Tiafoe’s aggression. Unless the heavy favorite is generous in his unforced error donations, expect this one to go the way of Tiafoe.
Cheryl pick: Tiafoe in 3
Ricky pick: Tiafoe in 4
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