Two big time players collide on day 1 at the Australian Open with Matteo Berrettini taking on Brandon Nakashima. We also have predictions for every day 1 match covered by our panelists including Fabio Fognini and Feliciano Lopez’s matches.
Matteo Berrettini vs Brandon Nakashima
Damian Kust: A potential blockbuster, but despite losing to Daniil Medvedev and Alex de Minaur at the ATP Cup, Matteo Berrettini actually looked very solid, especially from his weaker backhand wing. His incredible power should see him through, but in a year or two it won’t be that straightforward. Berrettini in 4
Yesh Ginsburg: This is a top first-round match. Nakashima is on the rise and is playing really well. Berrettini has one of the biggest games in the world, but his consistency isn’t perfect. If Nakashima can make him uncomfortable, this can go long. Nakashima in 5
Mikhail Kukushkin vs Tommy Paul
Damian: Coming off the two quarterfinals at Adelaide, Tommy Paul has grown into a full-blown main tour contender. It was a great effort from the veteran Mikhail Kukushkin to qualify, but he should be outmatched here over the long format. Paul in 4
Yesh: Tommy Paul has very quietly become a very solid player. Expect that quiet success to continue. Paul in 3
Marton Fucsovics vs Dusan Lajovic
Damian: Marton Fucsovics always raises his game for the Grand Slams and he’s got a good chance to do it again here. Dusan Lajovic’s skill set doesn’t get to shine on hard courts that much. Fucsovics in 4
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Yesh: Fucsovics is just a consistent player. You need to either be more consistent or much more powerful to beat him. Lajovic is neither. Fucsovics in 4
Karen Khachanov vs Denis Kudla
Damian: Karen Khachanov reached the final in Adelaide and should feel good about his game going into this one. His physicality should be of huge help if Denis Kudla manages to extend the match. Khachanov in 3
Yesh: Kudla is a fine enough player, and he brought a good game even off the grass last year, which was impressive. Khachanov has the potential to be elite, though, which is just out of Kudla’s league. Khachanov in 4
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