Novak Djokovic will return to action on Saturday, when he takes on Botic van de Zandschulp in the third round of the Australian Open. Jakub Mensik and Ethan Quinn are also aiming for a spot in week two.
Botic van de Zandschulp vs. (4) Novak Djokovic
It’s not often that a 24-time major champion with ten Australian Open titles manages to fly under the radar, but that’s what Djokovic did over the two days with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner the big favorites and other veterans like Stan Wawrinka and Gael Monfils making their last appearance in Melbourne. Djokovic has quietly gone about his business so far, beating Pedro Martinez and Francesco Maestrelli in straight sets.
The 38-year-old Serb is well aware that his opponent in the third round on Saturday is very dangerous. Although Van de Zandschulp is not very consistent, he has the ability to win big. The 75th-ranked Dutchman upset Carlos Alcaraz at the 2024 US Open, beat Rafael Nadal in the Spanish final, and upset Djokovic last spring at Indian Wells. It should be noted, however, that Djokovic dominated their other meeting 6-3, 6-1 at the 2022 Astana tournament. Van de Zandschulp knocked out Brandon Nakashima and Jerry Shang earlier this week, so he’s playing well. However, Djokovic is nowhere better than Down Under – and he will never forget his defeat to the same opponent ten months ago.
Pick: Djokovic at 3
(16) Jakub Mensik vs. Ethan Quinn
No one at the Australian Open has had better results in the first two rounds than Quinn. The former University of Georgia standout upset the No. 1 seed. 23 Tallon Griekspoor 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 and former top seed Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-1. This is the biggest payday of young Quinn’s career, in addition to making up for a credit card roulette loss at a dinner with some American men earlier this week. However, it did not appear completely. Quinn also reached the third round of the French Open last spring before advancing to the second round of Wimbledon.
Next up for the world number 80 on Saturday is a third meeting with Mensik, who has won both of their previous matches. The 20-year-old Czech is off to a strong start to the season, highlighted by a title in Auckland and Aussie Open victories over Pablo Carreno Busta and Raphael Jodar. Already a ton of tennis in 2026, however, may not be a good thing for Mensik – and his first-round match against Carreno Busta was a tough five-setter. On what will be a very hot day, Quinn may be physically limited. The underdog is on fire, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he stays that way.
Pick: Quinn at 5
