Fabio Fognini is the better known player in his matchup against Tallon Griekspoor but Griekspoor has won more than two dozen matches in a row and the matchup is highly anticipated. Our panelists have predictions for all of the round 1 Australian Open matches including Alexander Zverev’s and Denis Shapovalov’s.
*Editors Note: Novak Djokovic lost his appeal against deportation from Australia and has been replaced in the draw by Salvatore Caruso. Caruso will play Miomir Kecmanovic in round 1.
Tallon Griekspoor vs Fabio Fognini
Damian Kust: Tallon Griekspoor is arriving at the Australian Open on a 28-match win streak, but had to withdraw from a warm-up event due to a foot injury. If he’s healthy, his serve and forehand should see him through a very unstable Fabio Fognini. Should still be so high on confidence. Griekspoor in 4
Yesh Ginsburg: Fognini is clearly the better player, though his consistency is a massive question. Still, I have to go with the player who has the much higher potential. Fognini in 4
Miomir Kecmanovic vs Salvatore Caruso
Damian: Salvatore Caruso was put in a pretty rough spot, having to wait for the Novak Djokovic appeal. The Italian played quite well in the qualifying and only lost to Taro Daniel, who had an incredible serving day (14 aces in 41 points). He’ll keep it close, but I’ll give the edge to Miomir Kecmanovic, who looked very decent in a loss to Aslan Karatsev in Sydney. Kecmanovic in 5
Yesh: Salvatore Caruso finds his way into the draw after Djokovic was officially deported, and he has a winnable matchup here too. Miomir Kecmanovic is inconsistent, and on clay I wouldn’t like his chances against Caruso. Luckily for him, this isn’t on clay. Kecmanovic in 5
Novak Djokovic vs Miomir Kecmanovic
Damian: Even with little preparation and all the mess regarding his visa, can you go against Novak Djokovic in Melbourne? Not against Miomir Kecmanovic but under these circumstances some rust could be expected and the World No. 1 might be out of it mentally as well. Djokovic in 3
Yesh Ginsburg: We’re still not sure if Djokovic will play on Monday. If he does, though, he should be heavily favored. His countryman is talented, but nowhere near enough to challenge him. Djokovic in 3
Dominik Koepfer vs Carlos Taberner
Damian: Carlos Taberner hasn’t played since November and generally doesn’t perform that well on hard courts. Dominik Koepfer has a much more balanced skillset and should like his chances to go to the second round here. Koepfer in 4
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Yesh: Koepfer has had a few quasi-breakout runs, but nothing on a massive level. Is this his chance at that? I’m not sure, but he should win this match. Koepfer in 4
Benjamin Bonzi vs Peter Gojowczyk
Damian: This is one of these moments where Benjamin Bonzi can finally make some main tour impact. His court coverage will be of massive help against Peter Gojowczyk, who often struggles to find much consistency. While the German is on a 7-match losing streak, he’s one of the players who can always suddenly peak out of nowhere though. Bonzi in 4
Yesh: Bonzi had a breakout year last season on the Challenger Tour. It’s time for him to bring that to the bigger levels. Bonzi in 4
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