The 2020 Australian Open continues with first round action that includes top Australian seed Nick Kyrgios and former AO champion Stan Wawrinka in action. Jim Smith, Damian Kust, and Yesh Ginsburg offer their predictions.
John Isner vs Thiago Monteiro
Jim: Isner struggled with injury in 2019 and the American has not much enjoyed his trips to Melbourne in the past. But he should feel confident heading into this match with Monteiro. The Brazilian is far more at home on the clay and does not have the sort of firepower to go toe-to-toe with Isner. Isner in 4
Yesh: As long as Isner keeps his return game aggressive, he should be able to get a few breaks and not need tiebreaks to win this. Isner in 3
Damian: Isner had a very good week in Auckland and should be able to score an easy-enough win here. Monteiro is a great clay courter but on a faster surface, the American will be able to dominate. Isner in 3
Casper Ruud vs Igor Gerasimov
Jim: Ruud continues to make slow and steady progress towards the top of the game. The Norwegian will surely be disappointed by his past few showings, although his first-round defeat in Auckland to eventual champion Ugo Humbert is understandable in retrospect. Gerasimov will doubtless show willing, but the Belarusian does not quite have the quality to claim regular wins at tour-level. Expect Ruud to prove too strong. Ruud in 4
Yesh: Gerasimov is a name to look out for in the future. Don’t be surprised if he takes out Ruud, whose level has fallen off a bit since his peak last year. Gerasimov in 5
Damian: The Norwegian might be a bit of a dark horse in this event. He played some great tennis at the ATP Cup and his weapons, especially the big, spinny forehand, are much more consistent than Gerasimov’s. Ruud in 3
Stan Wawrinka vs Damir Dzumhur
Jim: Stan Wawrinka is still looking to win his first title since returning from knee surgery and he doesn’t seem likely to make a real challenge to end that barren streak at Melbourne Park. But he played some good tennis to reach the semifinals at the Qatar Open and should be able to hit through Dzumhur, who has declined precipitously since the start of 2018. Wawrinka in 3
Yesh: Dzumhur has talent but can’t put it together usually. Stan Wawrinka, meanwhile, is looking to get back to where he became accustomed to in Majors. Wawrinka in 3
Damian: There’s a big discrepancy of power here. Dzumhur is a pretty crafty player but I don’t expect him to be able to make up for it. Wawrinka in 3
Nick Kyrgios vs Lorenzo Sonego
Jim: On his day, Kyrgios can beat almost anyone and whilst his attitude towards his career remains problematic, he typically makes a good showing in front of the Melbourne crowd, having reached the last eight in 2015. He did crash out in the first round last year up against Milos Raonic, but Sonego seems unlikely to present such stern opposition.
Prediction: Kyrgios in 3
Yesh: This is all up to Kyrgios. If he is focused and wants to win, he’ll blast through this match easily. Kyrgios in 3
Damian: Same old story – if Kyrgios is focused, he shouldn’t struggle too much here. And he usually plays his best in Australia as he clearly loves having the crowd behind him. Kyrgios in 3
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