Australian Open R2 preview and prediction: Musetti vs. Sonego, Munar vs. Ruud

It’s a battle of the Lorenzos as Musetti takes on Italian Sonego in the second round of the Australian Open. Casper Ruud and Jaume Munar will also be playing on Thursday.

(5) Lorenzo Musetti vs. Lorenzo Sonego

Lorenzo Musetti, who runs at number 5, came up short in his first match this week against Raphael Collignon, the world number 72 of Belgium. Musetti dropped the first set and had to fight hard to pocket 2nd and 3rd before Collignon retired in 4th. Musetti made it to the finals in Hong Kong in his warm-up event, so he’s playing well…he hasn’t done that in Melbourne yet. Two-time partner Lorenzo Sonego crashed out in Hong Kong in the second set to the talented (literally) world No. 318 Jerry Shang. Musetti may still be working out some of the rough spots, but he should improve.

Cheryl pick – Musetti in 4

(12) Casper Ruud vs. Jaume Munar

Spain’s Jaume Munar ran against Casper Ruud last year at the Australian Open. It was the first of a series of 3 meetings in 2025, all of which went Ruud’s way. In fact, the Norwegian has a 5-1 record over Munar. It’s tempting to give Ruud the easy nod given his straightforward first-round victory over Mattia Bellucci. The problem is that Ruud’s form is not up to his usual standards. Sure, it’s true that Munar had a 5-set streak in his debut, but he’s one of the strongest players on tour. I still think Ruud will take Munar out, but the Spaniard will make him work for you.

Ruud at 5