It should be an entertaining seventh day at the Australian Open with eight intriguing third-round matches on the schedule. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Jannik Sinner vs Eliot Spizzirri. But who will secure their spot in the second week at Melbourne Park?

Australian Open Day 7 Predictions
Novak Djokovic vs Botic van de Zandschulp

Ateet: Novak Djokovic has cruised through his two matches so far, but will face his biggest test against Botic van de Zandschulp, who won their last meeting in 2025. However, Djokovic looks in much better form and beating him over five sets is a different level of hurdle.

Prediction: Djokovic in 3

Yesh: Novak Djokovic looks really good so far this week. Age might catch up to him as we get into the second week, but not yet.

Prediction: Djokovic in 3

Andreas: Djokovic looked formidable in his opening two matches, though Van de Zandschulp did win their most recent meeting in 2025, at the BNP Paribas Open. I still think the Serb is too good in a best-of-five format, but Djokovic may drop his first set of the tournament.

Prediction: Djokovic in 4

Jakub Mensik vs Ethan Quinn

Ateet: Jakub Mensik needed a quick win after a long first-round match, and that’s what he got against the talented Rafael Jodar. Mensik has never reached the fourth round here and has a great chance to do so. Ethan Quinn played a great match to upset Hubert Hurkacz and can deploy similar tactics against Mensik, but backing up a big win with another is extremely hard.

Prediction: Mensik in 4

Yesh: Ethan Quinn is playing the best tennis of his life and has taken to these courts very well. He’s locked in and playing a great blend of attacking and all-court tennis that I don’t think Mensik will be able to respond do.

Prediction: Quinn in 3

Andreas: After a rocky opening round, Mensik played great in a straight sets win over youngster Rafael Jodar. Quinn is in a third round of a Grand Slam for the second time, and hasn’t dropped a set. Mensik’s game matches up perfectly on these faster hard courts, and his experience may prove to be the difference in a close encounter.

Prediction: Mensik in 4

Marin Cilic vs Casper Ruud

Ateet: Marin Cilic is rolling back the years with how well he is hitting the ball. He continuously painted the lines against Denis Shapovalov and is playing with a lot of confidence. Casper Ruud has never lost to Cilic, but it might be his toughest match against the Croatian. Serve will be key for Ruud, and a below-par day will put him in serious trouble.

Prediction: Ruud in 5

Yesh: Casper Ruud looks like his old self so far this week. Cilic is playing well, but Ruud looks like someone who can challenge for the title.

Prediction: Ruud in 4

Andreas: This should be a fun popcorn match. The Australian Open has never been Ruud’s best tournament, but he’s off to a 6-0 run in sets played thus far. While Cilic has also looked strong in his two wins, Ruud dominates this head-to-head, and he’s beaten Cilic at big stages including a French Open semifinal. This match may go five.

Prediction: Ruud in 5

 

Karen Khachanov vs Luciano Darderi

Ateet: Luciano Darderi got a great win over Sebastian Baez in the second round and is enjoying the best Australian Open of his career. However, Karen Khachanov would be a mighty difficult task to overcome, and I think he will come up short.

Prediction: Khachanov in 4

Yesh: Karen Khachanov is quietly making his way through another Major draw. He’s too solid and strong for Darderi.

Prediction: Khachanov in 4

Andreas: Darderi is a sneaky underdog to watch at the Australian Open. The Italian took out Sebastian Baez in the second round, who had been playing dangerous tennis early in the season. Khachanov improved his consistency in his round two win, but his form hasn’t been entirely convincing this season. The Italian is due for a big Grand Slam victory.

Prediction: Darderi in 5

Main photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images