Australian Open 2019, Day 6: Men's singles predictions

As the opening week of the 2019 Australian Open draws to a close, third round matches will conclude on Saturday with an intriguing contest between Novak Djokovic and Denis Shapovalov being the one to watch.

And after the exit of De Minaur, the local fans will come out in full support for Alexei Popyrin and Alex Bolt, as they are now the only two Australians remaining in the draw on the men's side.

Here are the predictions of the best men's matches to be held on day 6 of the 2019 Australian Open:

---

Novak Djokovic vs Denis Shapovalov

Novak Djokovic

This is a first-ever meeting between Djokovic and Shapovalov. It is match-up we have waited for quite some time. The Canadian is an enigmatic left-hander who can be awkward to play against, especially when he is playing with confidence.

We saw him beat Nadal one time in the Rogers Cup when he absolutely took the sting out of the ball. At this moment, he is playing very well and I expect him to ask plenty of questions to Djokovic.

This will be the biggest challenge thus far that the Serb will encounter, but I can see him staying solid throughout.

Prediction: Novak Djokovic to win in straight sets

Joao Sousa vs Kei Nishikori

Kei Nishikori

This will be the survival of the fittest. Imagine a scenario where both players retire from the match. I dread to think this may happen in this match.

Nishikori battled cramps in his first match against Kamil Majchrzak, and was nearly beaten by Ivo Karlovic. Both his matches went the distance and he still managed to come out on top.

The same can be said of Joao Sousa, who also needed back-to-back five setters to reach the third round. Nishikori tends to have the habit of making his matches seem less straightforward.

Considering the long week Nishikori had in Brisbane, I think Sousa will be the fresher of the two and that could be crucial in this match.

Prediction: Joao Sousa to win in four sets

Pierre-Hugues Herbert vs Milos Raonic

Milos Raonic

I thought Milos Raonic got a bit lucky in some parts of his second round match, but he fully deserved to win.

Herbert recorded a very excellent win against last year's semifinalist Hyeon Chung. But if I am being honest, Chung is out of form and that win is completely irrelevant in the contest of this match.

I am backing the Canadian to prevail in this one due to his big game experience.

Prediction: Milos Raonic to win in four sets

David Goffin vs Daniil Medvedev

Daniil Medvedev

I had predicted Daniil Medvedev to reach at least the fourth round where he could set up an enticing match against Djokovic, but I have second thoughts on this one.

David Goffin is a quality opponent. He is outside the top 10 only because of a succession of injuries during the last 14 months. He will put a lot of pressure on Medvedev's service games due to his brilliant returns and we will see the Russian going for a lot more on his shots and making too many unforced errors.

Prediction: David Goffin to win in four sets

Alexander Zverev vs Alex Bolt

Alexander Zverev

Alexander Zverev nearly bottled a two sets lead. He has had quite a number of mental lapses in grand slams and that pattern almost continued, but he managed to fend off Chardy's fightback.

I think the gulf in class will tell between Bolt and Zverev in this one.

Prediction: Alexander Zverev to win in straight sets