Djokovic vs Pouille

The Serb looks to continue his march to the double Masters, winning each Masters 1000 tournament at least twice. Pouille can play, as we know, but Djokovic seems to have the form to overcome anyone, even in Bo3.

They last played in the AO SF back in January of this year. That was their only meeting. Novak had flipped the switch at that point, beating the Frenchman 0 2 and 2. The AO SF appearance was a bit of a surprise from Pouille, so it appears his tennis continues to elevate in 2019. Taking care of Khachanov isn’t an easy task. Good for Lucas to be in such good form. Let’s see how he can rebound from his last meeting with the Serb.

Rublev vs Medvedev

This should actually be interesting, Rublev coming-off the upset of Federer to take-on his ascendant countryman Medvedev, who’s playing some of the best, most consistent tennis on tour (aside from that spanking he received from Nadal in Montreal). If Daniil gets into the bakery goods with Rublev, Federer should spend a little more time hugging his children.

Hopefully, Andrey carries that world-beating clean, solid serve and ball-striking into this one. Still, how can you not like Medvedev here. This is their first ATP encounter though Medvedev did beat Rublev in a Challenger indoors back in 2016, 63 62.

Djokovic vs Medvedev would be the best match-up, most likely, their last hard court meeting, in Melbourne, having some very serious exchanges before the Serb pulled-away, winning in four.

Medvedev actually won their last meeting, a QF in Monte Carlo in three sets.

Goffin vs Nishioka

I can’t tell you much here other than we know the Japanese player has beaten some decent baseline ball-strikers (Nishikori and De Minaur). I’d like to think the Belgian outclasses him here, but this bottom-half appears to be a bit of a lottery.

RBA vs Gasquet

The 30-something match. I haven’t watched a Dickie Gasquet match in a while. My bad. I like RBA in this one. I like a Wimbledon SF rematch for the Cincy F actually.

Enjoy the tennis.