Australian Open: Bautista Agut vs Paul Tennis Prediction & Pick

TennisSection previews the 2023 Australian Open as Roberto Bautista Agut takes on Tommy Paul in the fourth round on Monday, January 23, 2023.

Will it be another quarterfinal in the books for Roberto Bautista Agut at the Australian Open? Or will Tommy Paul keep up his frenetic start to the season? This should an intriguing battle, so who will prevail?

Roberto Bautista Agut put the brakes on Andy Murray’s scintillating run at the 2023 Australian Open. As fate would have it, their 2019 rematch in this tournament lived up to the billing as Murray left every drop of sweat and energy out on the court despite accumulating over 10 hours of playing time in two matches. Bautista Agut overcame the former World No. 1 yet again, winning 6-1 6-7 6-3 6-4.

Tommy Paul, for his part, was in top gear as he easily dispatched fellow American Jenson Brooksby in straight sets. Paul won an impressive 80% first-serve points and converted five break points. He also saved all four break points he faced on his serve to progress to the fourth round of the Australian Open for the first time. Could he break new ground when he takes on Roberto Bautista Agut?

Roberto Bautista Agut leads Tommy Paul 3-1 in their head-to-head. However, it is pertinent to note, Paul won their last encounter in Bercy last year in straight sets. Both players have been involved in at least one five-set match en route to the fourth round of the Australian Open. But in Paul’s case, he’s had a less-taxing route to get here. The American has been in a businesslike mode in the first week, pounding unreturnable serves and taking the cover off the ball. Bautista Agut remains a formidable challenger on any surface, but now at 35, you could argue his defensive powers have slightly waned. Paul looks like an obvious pick to outlast the Spaniard in a potential five-setter.