Australian Open R2 preview and prediction: Davidovich Fokina vs. Opelka, Tiafoe vs. Come on

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina takes on Reilly Opelka and his first major match when Frances Tiafoe takes on Francisco Comesana.

(14) Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs. Reilly Opelka

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina had a career season in 2025. The Spaniard is ranked 14th in the world, but he is failing when he gets the chance to win the title. World No. 14 made 4 finals last year and lost each one. Davidovich Fokina is not your typical Spanish clay court. He’s good on clay, but his four finals in 2025 were on hard courts. Reilly Opelka is far from an ideal opponent. The American player has one of the most effective first games in the men’s game – one that almost never comes back.

Davidovich Fokina is the best player of all time, but the outcome of the game will ultimately come down to the Spaniard who takes his chances when they come – and hopefully Opelka will miss the first few games.

Cheryl pick – Davidovich Fokina on 4

(29) Frances Tiafoe vs. Francisco Comesana

American Frances Tiafoe enters 2026 without coach David Witt and after a disappointing season. He didn’t have a dream start to the new year, winning one match in Brisbane before the start of the Australian Open. He dispatched Jason Kubler of Australia in straight sets in the first round. Fortunately for the American, his match with his second round opponent is good. Francisco Comesana has a traditional clay-style defensive game that is not suited to handle Tiafoe’s aggressiveness.

Unless the American is generous with his unforced error offerings, expect this one to go Tiafoe’s way.

Pick Cheryl – Tiafoe at 3