Alexander Zverev is struggling for form and will look to find some in his first round match at the Australian Open against Marco Cecchinato, while Gilles Simon faces fellow veteran Pablo Cuevas. Damian Kust and Yesh Ginsburg offer their predictions.
Alexander Zverev vs Marco Cecchinato
Yesh: This could be a tricky match for Zverev, who is in poor form and still hasn’t really found Grand Slam success yet. Still Cecchinato isn’t where he was a few years ago, and this isn’t clay. Zverev survives. Zverev in 4
Damian: Both players are struggling with what appears to be some sort of confidence issues. Zverev has a second serve that just keeps breaking down but on this surface, his big game should still be enough to take down the Italian. Zverev in 4
Andrey Rublev vs Christopher O’Connell
Yesh: O’Connell is a fun player who had a lot of success at lower levels, but he’s out of his league here. Rublev in 3
Damian: How well does the Russian regenerate from winning nine matches and two titles in the past two weeks? Probably well enough, but don’t make the mistake of underestimating O’Connell. The Aussie has a big game and can certainly keep it close. Rublev in 4
Gilles Simon vs Pablo Cuevas
Yesh: This should be a fun and tricky match. Both players can extend points as long as they need, and neither is best on these Melbourne courts. It should be a fun one. Cuevas in 5
Damian: Pablo Cuevas has looked somewhat miserable in the past fortnight. Blown out by players like Yoshihito Nishioka or Nikoloz Basilashvili, it’s doubtful the Uruguayan will come to Australia with some new-found confidence. Simon has a great sense of the court and his consistency will expose Cuevas’ lack of rhythm. Simon in 4
Taylor Fritz vs Tallon Griekspoor
Yesh: Fritz drew one of the more talented qualifiers, and Griekspoor looked good in those three matches. Still, the American should have this. Fritz in 3
Damian: Griekspoor did a fine job to qualify for a Grand Slam for the very first time but this shouldn’t be close at all. Fritz has improved his game so much during the last year and he should prove it again, picking up a clean first round victory. Fritz in 3
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