Zverev's big prediction for Aussie wildcard Alex Bolt

World No.4 Alexander Zverev has predicted Alex Bolt to rise sharply up the rankings after ending the South Australian wildcard’s shock run at the Australian Open.

The wild-haired Bolt couldn’t match the Russian star in their third-round meeting on Rod Laver Arena, falling 6-3 6-3 6-2.

Zverev, 21, next faces 16th-seeded Canadian Milos Raonic, who earlier had a straight sets win over Frenchman Pierre-Hughes Herbert.

Ranked world No.155, Bolt wasn’t in the same league as Zverev, who is leading the charge of Generation Next.

But the 26-year-old, who walked away from tennis for nine months three years ago, had plenty to be proud of.

Bolt captured the public’s imagination in a rousing five-set win over former world No.6 Gilles Simon that followed a maiden grand slam victory in round one.

He produced some clever serving, including nine serve-volleys, to keep Zverev on his toes and pulled off some big forehand winners

But too often Bolt let himself down with unforced errors – 38 for the match – to take the pressure off the lanky German.

Zverev said he was surprised by Bolt’s power game and predicted he could quickly move into the top 100.

“He is someone with unbelievable power, and I was surprised actually how much power he has, especially in the cold conditions,” Zverev said.

“He has played an unbelievable tournament and I think if he continues playing the way he is playing, he will be top 100, top 50 maybe.”

Bolt is already slated to jump around 25 places in the rankings after his run in Melbourne.

A leap into the top 100 over the coming months would secure an automatic berth into the French Open.

Fellow Aussies Alex de Minaur (No.29), John Millman (No.37) and Matthew Ebden (No.48) currently feature in the top 50.

with AAP