Get ready for a thrilling Day 2 at the Australian Open, where the men's singles draw heats up with a staggering 28 matches on the schedule! But here's the real question: can the underdogs rise to the challenge, or will the favorites dominate? Our expert team at LastWordOnTennis is here to break down the action, offering insights that even beginners can follow. We've divided these matches across seven articles, each packed with predictions and analysis. In this piece, we focus on Daniil Medvedev vs Jesper de Jong, but don’t miss our other features: Novak Djokovic vs Pedro Martinez (https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2026/01/18/australian-open-day-2-mens-predictions-djokovic-martinez/), Andrey Rublev vs Matteo Arnaldi (https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2026/01/18/australian-open-day-2-mens-predictions-rublev-arnaldi/), Tommy Paul vs Aleksandar Kovacevic (https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2026/01/18/australian-open-day-2-mens-predictions-paul-kovacevic/), Stan Wawrinka vs Laslo Djere (https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2026/01/18/australian-open-day-2-mens-predictions-wawrinka-djere/), Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Nuno Borges (https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2026/01/18/australian-open-day-2-mens-predictions-auger-aliassime-borges/), and Denis Shapovalov vs Yunchaokete Bu (https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2026/01/18/australian-open-day-2-mens-predictions-shapovalov-bu/). Tope Oke, Zain Mustafa, and Ilemona Onekutu are on the prediction duty—but what do you think? Let’s dive in!
Jiri Lehecka vs Arthur Gea
Can youth and momentum trump experience? Arthur Gea, the French rising star, arrives on an eight-match winning streak, but Jiri Lehecka’s recent knee injury adds a layer of uncertainty. If Lehecka’s fit, his power game should prevail, but this could be a slippery match for the Czech.
Tope: Lehecka’s fitness is key. If he’s 100%, his experience edges out Gea’s momentum. Prediction: Lehecka in 4
Zain: Gea’s qualifier dominance is impressive, but Lehecka’s serve and forehand are a different beast. Prediction: Lehecka in 3
Ilemona: Lehecka’s aggression on hard courts gives him the upper hand. Prediction: Lehecka in 3
Elias Ymer vs Alexander Shevchenko
Is Shevchenko ready to break his inconsistency curse? After a breakthrough season three years ago, Shevchenko has struggled, but recent improvements in Adelaide hint at a turnaround. Ymer, however, is hungry to finally clear the first round in Melbourne (https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/category/australian-open/).
Tope: Ymer’s consistency should edge out Shevchenko’s unpredictability. Prediction: Ymer in 4
Zain: On faster courts, Shevchenko’s counterpunching could be the difference. Prediction: Shevchenko in 4
Ilemona: Shevchenko’s risk-taking might exploit Ymer’s passive moments. Prediction: Shevchenko in 4
Jaume Munar vs Dalibor Svrcina
Revenge or repeat? Svrcina dominated Munar in Melbourne three years ago, but Munar’s hard-court game has transformed since then. Will history repeat, or will Munar’s growth seal the deal?
Tope: Munar’s all-around improvement makes him the favorite. Prediction: Munar in 4
Zain: Svrcina’s lack of recent matches puts him at a disadvantage. Prediction: Munar in 3
Ilemona: Svrcina’s aggression on hard courts could turn the tide. Prediction: Svrcina in 5
Daniil Medvedev vs Jesper de Jong
Can de Jong disrupt Medvedev’s resurgence? Medvedev’s Brisbane title win signals a return to form, but de Jong’s physicality could pose problems. Will Medvedev’s defense wear him down?
Tope: Medvedev’s current form is too strong for de Jong. Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Zain: Medvedev’s end-of-2025 momentum makes him the clear favorite. Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Ilemona: Medvedev’s depth and defense will outlast de Jong’s power. Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Controversy Alert: Do you think Medvedev is back to his Grand Slam-finalist level, or is this just a temporary spike? And could Svrcina’s aggression really upset Munar’s improved game? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!** Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
