Round of 16 action at the Australian Open features young American Alex Michelsen against Australia’s hope Alex de Minaur, while the ageless Gael Monfils squares off with Ben Shelton. Our panelists offer their predictions for every match.

Alex Michelsen vs Alex de Minaur

Yesh Ginsburg: Can Michelsen’s magic continue? The young American is proving his full potential this week in Melbourne, but he’s about to run into far tougher competition. Alex de Minaur is the great Australian hope, and he’s playing like a true contender right now. I expect him to overpower the American, even if he’s made to work for it. de Minaur in 4

Jordan Reynolds: De Minaur will need all his athleticism and defensive skills in this matchup. Michelsen’s fearless brand of tennis has been a spectacular success so far, but he is yet to play someone as fast as the Australian. This might be one step too far for the young American. de Minaur in 3

Liam McBride: With all the talk around the next-gen this Grand Slam, somehow Alex Michelsen has managed to go under the radar. The focus has been on Foncesa, Tien, Mpetshi-Perricard and Mensik. Yet, the American has recorded victories against Stefanos Tsitipas plus Karen Khachonov, and has yet to lose a set. One man who hasn’t gone under the radar is home favourite Alex De Minaur. The world #8 seems back to his best after a hip injury last Wimbledon. In a battle of the Alex’s, movement will be the main difference. Michelsen has shown a range of skills including excellent angles and drop shots, but against the speedy De Minaur, this approach won’t be substantial. de Minaur in 3

Ateet Shrivastava: Alex de Minaur vs Alex Michelsen De Minaur faced a stern test against Francisco Cerundolo but raised his level in time to win in four sets. Alex Michelsen played another flawless match to dispatch Karen Khachanov in straight sets. Michelsen has been tactically brilliant in all his matches so far. The American player defeated De Minaur when these two last met on a hard court. It won’t be easy but if Michelsen repeats the performance he has shown through the whole tournament then he has a chance. However, I expect the Australian to find a way to edge this out. de Minaur in 5

Gael Monfils vs Ben Shelton

Yesh: The first week of the Australian Open might have been the best week that Gael Monfils has had in a decade. And there’s no reason for it to start. He’s playing so smoothly, and the recovery at his age hasn’t caught up to him yet. Shelton is just another powerful all-court hitter, and Monfils has been handling those just fine this tournament. Monfils in 3

Jordan: What Monfils is achieving at the age of 38 is remarkable. He produced some of the best serving of his career to make the fourth-round. That will be crucial since one break a set is usually enough for Shelton. The American might just prove too strong for the French veteran, but expect a tight battle. Shelton in 4

Liam: Monfils produced the shock of the tournament so far, coming from a set behind to beat Taylor Fritz. Even at the age of 38, the Frenchman still shows incredible speed to cover every inch of the court, and when he is in the zone, he can still cause damage. Shelton impressed in his victory over Lorenzo Musetti. The explosive left-hander is at home in Australia where he previously reached the quarter-final. Monfils will see his fairy tale run come to an end, with Shelton’s intensity too hot to handle. Shelton in 4

Ateet: Gael Monfils is playing some of the best tennis of his life as he defeated the #4 seed, Taylor Fritz in the third round. He has a great chance to reach the semifinals for the first time here. Shelton was clutch when it mattered against Lorenzo Musetti but will face a completely different challenge against Monfils. Monfils outserved Fritz, and if he continues to serve well, he has a good chance against Shelton. Monfils in 5

Learner Tien vs Lorenzo Sonego

Yesh: Learner Tien is also having the week of his life, and he should be favored in this one now. Sonego can play a pretty powerful strong counterpunching game, but he’s not better than Daniil Medvedev, who Tien has already worked through. Tien in 4

Jordan: Tien shows no signs of slowing down during his unexpected run. Sonego is a consistent player who rarely produces a terrible performance, but he also lacks an ability to raise his game further against opponents producing great tennis. If Tien retains his high level from the last couple of rounds, he has a great chance. Tien in 4

Liam: Tien has excelled this week and has a different weapon to many of the next-gen. Overall, his game is incredibly consistent. Sure, he isn’t as flashy as some of his fellow youngsters, but he has a maturity beyond his years. On the other side of the net is a more aggressive player in Lorenzo Sonego, who will look to take the ball on the rise and use his power whenever possible. Expect a thriller, with the Italian to progress. Sonego in 5

Ateet: Tien played another impressive match in the third round to follow up the big upset against Daniil Medvedev. However, he has yet to face a big server and Sonego has been brilliant behind his serve in this tournament. Tien’s lack of free points can hurt his chances against the Italian’s aggression off the ground. I won’t be surprised if the young American wins, but I’m taking Sonego to reach his first-ever Slam quarterfinal. Sonego in 5

Jannik Sinner vs Holger Rune

Yesh: This is, without question, the best match of the day. Can anyone challenge Jannik Sinner? Holger Rune, on his best day, can make things very tough for the World #1. But Rune’s best days don’t come every day, and Sinner’s worst days are still nearly unbeatable. Sinner in 3

Jordan: Rune’s battling qualities in the opening three rounds were impressive. However., his level has not been near what will be required to beat Sinner. The Italian does everything a little better than Rune on outdoor hard courts and is a significant favorite to progress. Sinner in 3

Liam: Despite not being at his brilliant best, Sinner has still negotiated the opening three rounds with very little fuss. In contrast, Rune has won two five setters and a four setter to earn his place. A few years ago, there was little to split these two, however now Sinner’s game is so much more reliable and efficient. Should Rune bring his A game, we could be in for a treat, however the Dane will be suffering from fatigue against a fresh force. Sinner in 3

Ateet: Holger Rune showed great heart and shotmaking to win an epic match against Miomir Kecmanovic in the third round. Despite struggling with cramps, Rune kept fighting and his forehand was on fire towards the end. He will need all that firepower to have a shot at winning against the best player in the world. Sinner will be aware that he needs to be dialled in from the beginning as Rune has previously caused him trouble. This should be a great match if Rune shows up with his best level but I can’t go against Sinner. Sinner in 4

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