On Day 4 of the Australian Open, we focus on two good second round matchups, these are our predictions for Learner Tien vs. Alexander Shevchenko and Frances Tiafoe vs. Francisco Comesana.
Learner Tien vs. Alexander Shevchenko
One of the sport’s fastest-rising teenagers against a tough opponent who has become a staple of the ATP’s middle tier.
- Learner Tien: The 20-year-old American has been on a meteoric rise. Ranked inside the top 30 entering AO, Tien has transitioned from a dominant junior to a serious threat on the tour. He looked clinical in his opening round win against Marcos Giron, where we saw his signature left-handed precision and a vastly improved first serve, averaging 21 aces in recent hard-court stretches.
- Alexander Shevchenko: Now representing Kazakhstan, the 25-year-old Shevchenko is a good baseline player. Currently ranked No. 97, he is the underdog on paper but possesses a strong defensive style that can frustrate aggressive players like Tien. He reached the second round after a 3-1 victory over Sweden’s Elias Ymer.
This is a contrast in styles. Tien will look to dictate with his lefty forehand and shorten points, while Shevchenko will try to extend rallies and test the youngster’s patience in the Melbourne heat.
- Prediction: Tien in 4 sets. His current form and momentum (along with great serves) should simply be enough to overcome Shevchenko’s defenses.
Frances Tiafoe vs. Francisco Comesaña
Frances “Big Foe” Tiafoe enters this match as the clear favorite, but he faces an opponent who thrives on the big stage.
- Frances Tiafoe: Seeded No. 29, Tiafoe is at a bit of a crossroads. After a disappointing 2025 season saw his ranking slip to No. 34, he started 2026 with a point to prove. He was impressive in his first-round straight-sets win over Jason Kubler, looking focused and cutting down on the unforced errors that plagued him last year.
- Francisco Comesaña: The Argentine (No. 68) is traditionally a clay-court specialist, but he proved he can handle the hard courts by taking out Patrick Kypson in the first round. Comesaña is a “wall” who forces his opponents to hit one extra ball, a tactic that has historically troubled Tiafoe when he gets over-eager.
Tiafoe has the power to hit Comesaña off the court, but the match will depend on the version of Tiafoe that shows up. Sometimes he struggles to put away defensive players and it might be a tighter match than the betting odds suggests.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 5 sets.
