The scorching conditions at Melbourne Park will certainly test the players on Day 7, and Ben Shelton is one player that could have a fight on his hands.
LEG 1 - Shelton vs Vacherot Over 3.5 Sets
Ben Shelton is awfully short in this third-round match with miracle man Valentin Vacherot.
Over the last 12 months, Vacherot’s service points and return points won are better than the American’s against top-20 opposition, and even stronger against top-100 opposition.
Shelton probably gets the job done and is a proven performer at Grand Slams, but Vacherot will challenge the American.
LEG 2 - Karen Khachanov
This is a third-round gimme for Karen Khachanov when he faces clay-courter Luciano Darderi.
Darderi beat Baez in the second round, with the Argentine finally running out of legs after a huge lead-up and a five-setter in the opening round.
There’s no way the Italian will challenge Khachanov in this.
LEG 3 - Jakub Mensik
An impressive performance by Mensik against rising star Jodar. He now faces Ethan Quinn, who he’s got recent experience against.
The Czech beat him twice last year without dropping a set. It was comfortable at the Cincinnati Masters with a 6-4 6-2 victory.
Quinn has done well on paper, and taking nothing away from the American, but Griekspoor was in putrid form leading in, while Hurkacz was spent after returning from a long lay-off.
LEG 4 - Cilic vs Ruud Over 3.5 Sets
Casper Ruud was too good on Day 5 when he beat Munar in straight sets, with us requiring the match to go to at least four sets. That being said, I do think Marin Cilic takes a set against the Norwegian here.
Cilic is yet to drop a set this tournament, dismantling Shapovalov last match, and the night session will avoid the extreme heat for the veteran.
Although Ruud probably gets it done, I can see this going to five.
