2019 Australian Open: Top Ten Surprise Predictions

By Toby Oliver | Jan 12, 2019

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 28: Roger Federer (L) of Switzerland poses with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after winning the 2018 Australian Open Men's Singles Final against Marin Cilic of Croatia, posing with the runners-up trophy on day 14 of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 28, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 09: Alex De Minaur of Australia plays a backhand in his 2nd round match against Reilly Opelka of the United States during day four of the 2019 Sydney International at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre on January 09, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) /

7 – Alex de Minaur at the 2019 Australian Open

Alex de Minaur has had the best possible preparation coming in to the 2019 Australian Open. Just last week he won his first ATP Tour title in Sydney where he beat Andraes Seppi in the final.

The 19-year-old had an excellent 2018 where he broke the top 100 and reached the final of the Next Gen ATP Finals. Given the fact he’s seeded 27th at the Australian Open this year, he’s got an easy first round against Pedro Sousa. However, he’s due to play Nadal in the third round. He’ll have the home support, all he needs to do is give 100 percent and he could cause an upset given Nadal’s lack of matches recently.

Read more about Nadal’s ongoing health concerns here and keep an eye on the Spanish great’s progress early on at Melbourne Park. de Minaur has the potential to pull off the upset but needs to get there first.

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