Ever since it hasn’t been possible to do an on-site coverage of the Slams, Ubitennis CEO Ubaldo Scanagatta and his Hall-of-Famer colleague Steve Flink have started to analyse the two draws and predict the outcome of the tournament via Zoom. Here’s their take on the men’s draw:

Video schedule 

00.00 – A few big first rounders, from Berrettini vs Anderson to Sinner vs Shapovalov…

02.16 – The strict anti-Covid policy of the Australian government: “I wouldn’t be surprised if some daily schedules were to be cancelled.” 

03.13 – Our insiders pick their 2021 Australian Open champion… 

04.20 – On Federer’s absence – will he win another Major? 

05.34 – Novak Djokovic’s route to the final: in the third round, he might face Taylor Fritz: “He’s disappointed so far, but I can see him reach the Top 15 by the end of the year!” 

07.25 – There are three seeded Italians, a record tally: “Fognini isn’t at his best yet, but I’ve been very impressed with Berrettini throughout the ATP Cup.” 

09.25 – On Zverev and Thiem’s draws: “The Austrian is getting used to reaching the final stages of the Majors.” 

10.45 – Wawrinka could face Djokovic in the fourth round: “The Swiss hasn’t beaten him many times, but his wins have always come on the biggest stages…” Afterwards, it might be Zverev who will try to keep the Serbian from a ninth title: “They played a high-quality match at the ATP Cup!”

13.13 – The bottom half of the draw: “So many Russians!” On a Medvedev-Rublev encounter in the quarter finals. 

14.47 – Nadal should reach the quarter finals with ease, and then will face either Tsitsipas, Berrettini or Khachanov: “Berrettini is playing well, but the same can be said about the Greek.” 

17.30 – On a Nadal-Medvedev semi-final encounter: “The last three times they’ve played, the Russian has really been a problem for Rafa…” We might be in for a long one.

20.15 – “If Djokovic doesn’t win, I think that the trophy might go to Medvedev. He has what it takes to beat both Nole and Nadal.” 

21.04 – Is Berrettini back to his best? “I think his confidence is back, if his serve and forehand are attuned, then he can be a problem.” 

23.31 – Again on Jannik Sinner: “He will achieve steady results, he’s a great professional.” Will he recover in time for his match against Shapovalov?

24.33 – A final note on court speed – who could suffer from a quicker surface? 

Transcript by Massimiliano Trenti; edited by Tommaso Villa