Australian Open 2012 TV Schedule: Top Men's Matches to Watch on Jan. 20

The third round of the 2012 Australian Open features some exciting matchups in the men's draw, as Friday in Melbourne offers more than a couple of must-see showdowns.

A pair of upsets have catapulted Alejandro Falla and Bernard Tomic further than expected, as Falla took down American hopeful Mardy Fish and Tomic derailed Fernando Verdasco. Will the two underdogs carry their momentum into the later rounds?

Friday's Open schedule also pits some close-seed matches and brewing rivalries.

Here are the top men's matches to watch on January 20.

Stanislas Wawrinka (21) vs. Nicolas Almagro (10)

This isn't the blockbuster Swiss vs. Spanish matchup of Federer vs. Nadal, but that doesn't mean it won't be an excellent, compelling match.

If their third-round match is anything like their last meeting, it will be must-see TV. Their 2010 showdown at the Davis Cup went five sets, with Wawrinka prevailing.

Wawrinka actually leads the head-to-head series against Almagro, despite being the lower seed. They are both more effective on clay court, so we'll see how they fare on the hard court in a major.

Wawrinka's highest finish in Melbourne was the quarterfinals, while Almagro has never advanced past the third round. Almagro will try for his best Aussie finish against a player who's given him trouble in the past.

Prediction: Wawrinka in five sets.

John Isner (16) vs. Feliciano Lopez (18)

After a marathon controversial match against David Nalbandian, John Isner advances to face veteran Spaniard Feliciano Lopez.

Isner leads the head-to-head series 1-0, but may be fatigued coming off an exhausting tiebreaker match a couple days ago. How will he handle the left-handed Lopez?

Isner should assert his dominance with his laser serve, but Lopez won't go down without a fight.

Lopez has never advanced past the third round in Melbourne, but he's been playing great tennis in the last half-year, including strong showings at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and the Rolex Masters.

Prediction: Isner in four sets.

Bernard Tomic vs. Alexandr Dolgopolov (13)

The home-country hero, Bernard Tomic, will look to take down Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov, who has defeated Tomic all three times they've squared off.

Despite being winless against Dolgopolov, Tomic played him much tougher the past two times they met. Tomic, still only 19, has much less tour experience than Dolgopolov, but he's catching up.

He's also on a roll, having knocked off Fernando Verdasco and American Sam Querrey.

Friday's match could spark the turning of the tables in this matchup, and there's no better place for an upset than Australia for the Gold Coast native. But it won't be easy, as Dolgopolov has had recent success in Melbourne with a quarterfinals finish last year.

Prediction: Tomic will make a run, but Dolgopolov will win in five sets.

Alejandro Falla vs. Philipp Kohlschreiber

This matchup between 28-year-old veterans has an intriguing dynamic to it.

Alejandro Falla is coming off a hard-fought, impressive upset against 8th-seed Mardy Fish, while Philipp Kohlschreiber cruised into the third round courtesy of Pere Riba's mid-match dropout.

The left-handed Colombian is the underdog in this matchup, but is playing some of the best tennis of his life.

However, Kohlschreiber is 3-0 in this matchup and has a better history at the Australian Open.

Will Falla's hot hand continue in the third round and advance him in the tournament?

Prediction: A rested Kohlschreiber will ultimately cool off Falla, winning in four sets.