Australian Open Day 9 Men’s Predictions, including Djokovic vs Mensik & more related news here

Day 9 of the Australian Open will see the end of the fourth round. At the end of Tuesday’s game, our quarterfinal lineup will be set. But who will be the last four men to reach the quarterfinals? As always, our writers here at LastWordOnTennis will share their opinions on all matches. Predicting these matches are Zain Mustafa, Yesh Ginsburg, Shane Black and Ilemona Onekutu. Who do you think will advance?

Australian Open Day 9 Men’s Predictions

Lorenzo Musetti vs. Taylor Fritz

Zain:
A clash between two Top 10 players in the world before the quarterfinals is always a pleasure, as we have the great serve and counterattack of Taylor Fritz against the variety and defense of Lorenzo Musetti. While this is a matchup where either player should have space, with Musetti looking to make it more physical and Fritz relying on putting pressure on the Italian, on a faster hard court surface I give the advantage to the American.
Prediction: Fritz in 5

Yeah:
Darderi is playing very well, but he still feels more comfortable on slower, clay courts than faster courts. Meanwhile, Fritz thrives on faster courts. I would expect the American to finally find his range and pull away.
Prediction: Fritz in 4

Shane:
A blockbuster fourth-round matchup features, in my opinion, two of the top six players in the sport. Fritz looked vulnerable in 2026 and Musetti is coming off a five-set marathon against Machac. The base rallies will be of high quality. I think the American wins this with his serve and his fitness.
Prediction: Fritz in 5

Ilemona:
Musetti’s path into the second week has been marked by greater patience, using variation and height to extract errors rather than forcing the situation. Meanwhile, Fritz has looked ruthless on serve and forehand, shortening points and denying his opponents rhythm. On a hard court where first-hit tennis carries extra weight, that balance tips slightly toward Fritz.
Prediction: Fritz in 4

Jannik Sinner vs. Luciano Darderi

Zain:
Did you have any luck with the heat rule in the last round? You could say that. But that should be the ultimate challenge for Jannik Sinner in Melbourne at least before the quarters, as against Luciano Darderi he will simply have too many options and weapons to use, especially on this surface.
Prediction: Sinner in 3

Yeah:
Sinner is too powerful to be tested in this one. I don’t think Darderi can do much to cause him problems.
Prediction: Sinner in 3

Shane:
Sinner opted out of the third round. While some may see this as a warning sign in the future, I see it as the field missing the only chance it had to eliminate the Italian. Darderi, in his first Slam second week, will feel the suffocation of his compatriot’s baseline game early and often.
Prediction: Sinner in 3

Ilemona:
Sinner was tested by the elements in the last round, but beyond that he has overcome the draw, hitting the ball cleanly and barely allowing matches to become prolonged physical battles. Darderi has impressed with his composure and right-wing authority, but has yet to face sustained depth and pace at this level. Once rallies go beyond neutral, Sinner’s consistency should take over.
Prediction: Sinner in 3

Ben Shelton vs. Casper Ruud

Zain:
Possibly the most exciting men’s singles match of the day pits Ben Shelton’s big serve and left-handed angles against Casper Ruud’s baseline consistency and strong forehand. Serving will be key, as the player who makes the most first serves should have a decisive advantage in dictating the pace of the rallies. If Ruud stays aggressive, he can get a positive result here, but as things stand, Shelton should come in as a favorite, even if slightly.
Prediction: Shelton at 5

Yeah:
I just can’t feel safe about Shelton here. Ruud looks rejuvenated and ready to compete again in later Slam rounds. This is not the Casper Ruud of 2025; He is the one who reached three Grand Slam finals. I just don’t think Shelton can break through the Norwegian’s defense or respond to counterpunches.
Prediction: Ruud in 4

Shane:
Shelton knows how to win in Melbourne. The American is 14-3 in his Australian Open career and has yet to lose a set this week. Ruud also looked fit in Melbourne. If he can get going, he’ll have a chance to do some damage. That being said, Shelton is averaging nearly six aces per set in this tournament. Breakers will abound.
Prediction: Shelton in 4

Ilemona:
Shelton’s tournament has been defined by his explosive serve and reliance on his forehand, allowing him to control matches from the start. Ruud has looked solid and efficient, absorbing pressure well, but the hard courts still limit his ability to turn defense into offense against big servers. If Shelton maintains his level of service, he will dictate too many points.
Prediction: Shelton at 5

Novak Djokovic vs Jakub Mensik

Zain:
Novak Djokovic not only reached 400 victories in the four Majors by winning the third round, but also achieved his 70th Slam in the second week, also a record. Against Jakub Mensik, who has played his most consistent tennis at a Slam so far, Djokovic will need to step up his return game and take advantage of any opportunity he gets. This can be tricky, but you should still have enough to move forward.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4

Yeah:
Djokovic has lost to Mensik before, but that was a very different situation. Djokovic seems locked in and is still healthy. The wear and tear of a Major will affect him soon, but not yet. I think the all-time great sends a message with a dominant victory.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3

Shane:
It feels like we’re witnessing Djokovic’s last stand in pursuit of Grand Slam No. 25. He looks rejuvenated and, as always, confident. Mensik has played well in Melbourne, but the 20-year-old will have limited answers against the vet.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3

Ilemona:
Djokovic has been quietly gaining momentum in the early rounds, keeping his error count low and tightening the screws as matches go on rather than peaking early. Mensik’s run has been eye-catching, particularly behind his serve and his willingness to get into the baseline, but sustaining that aggression against Djokovic’s elastic, return defense is a different order of difficulty.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4

Feature Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images