Australian Open 2025 schedule: Three matches to watch on Day 3

The third day of the first round of the Australian Open begins on Wednesday (or late Tuesday in the Western Hemisphere), and then things begin to really get fun. We have seen a few upsets already, such as Alex Michelsen defeating Stefanos Tistsipas, but lots more surprises could happen on Day 3.

There are also some extremely interesting matches to watch, even if there are fewer top seeds. American versus American and Frenchman versus Frenchman will be must-sees. This is especially true as one of the Cinderellas in Melbourne could come from the Day 3 matches.

There are also big servers, so if that is your favorite part of the game then you are in luck. If you hate that, you should pull for the underdogs.

Three matches to watch on Day 3 of the Australian Open

Gael Monfils versus Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard

All of France should tune into this match. Old school versus new, and both players could be dangerous. Monfils likely has the lower ceiling at this point because of age and lack of immense power on his serve, but his ability to move will keep him in matches.

The best hope for the French overall in Melbourne could be Perricard. His serve is arguably the best on the ATP tour, and he can push sets to the max simply based on that. He is also slowly developing other facets of his game, and he could be a player to watch at Wimbledon. He might beat Monfils, but he probably is not ready to make a deep run at the Australian Open.

Ben Shelton versus Brandon Nakashima

Two Americans in their early 20s still trying to find their way on the ATP tour. Shelton has the higher upside because of the power he has with his serve and forehand, but Nakashima could be a problematic gnat on the tour for years. He also has wins over Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz, and Tommy Paul (four and Paul has never beaten Nakashima), so he has a chance.

The best hope for a deep run in the tournament for Americans might still be Shelton. His serve will keep him in matches he should not be in.

Lorenzo Sonego versus Stan Wawrinka

What drives Wawrinka to keep playing? Money? Unlikely. Sure, he makes a bunch of money from sponsorships probably, but he doesn't need to keep playing to do that. Maybe the 39-year-old just loves the game.

Sonego seems like a young player, but he is also nearly 30. He has never been able to consistently win at a high level. What makes the match fun is that maybe one of these "older" players can push through to make a deep run in Melbourne. That would make for a good story, especially if that happens to be Wawrinka.

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