Cameron Norrie looks to stave off the upset minded Sebastian Korda on day 1 of the Australian Open in Melbourne. Our panelists have predictions for every match including Rafel Nadal and Gael Monfils’ matches.
Cameron Norrie vs Sebastian Korda
Damian Kust: Highlight of the round? Cameron Norrie went 0-3 at the ATP Cup, although the opposition was incredibly tough (Felix Auger-Aliassime, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz). Sebastian Korda hasn’t played in 2022 yet, but can benefit from the faster conditions better than the Brit. This should be enjoyable. Korda in 5
Yesh Ginsburg: This is a great first-round matchup, and pretty unfair to both players. The winner can go far. Korda has more potential, but Norrie is more solid so far. Norrie in 5
Tomas Martin Etcheverry vs Pablo Carreno Busta
Damian: Tomas Martin Etcheverry’s forehand allows him to be competitive off-clay, but the Argentinian is facing an uphill battle here. Pablo Carreno Busta is just such an amazing, methodical baseliner, and probably one of the toughest players to upset. Carreno Busta in 4
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Yesh: Carreno Busta is strong, even on hard courts, and should be the far more talented player in this one. Carreno Busta in 3
Aleksandar Vukic vs Lloyd Harris
Damian: With just one match in 2022 so far, Lloyd Harris could be coming into this one a bit undercooked. Aleksandar Vukic has a very high ceiling, but his floor isn’t nearly as steady as the South African’s. Potential upset alert, but only if Harris is still quite rusty. Harris in 5
Yesh: Vukic is playing well in Australia, but Harris had one of the best seasons of his career last year. Harris in 3
Jaume Munar vs Aslan Karatsev
Damian: Last year, he arrived in Melbourne as a qualifier, this time he’s a high seed and one of the potential dark horses. The Russian can struggle with his rally tolerance in patches, but should be able to beat Jaume Munar, whose defensive style doesn’t fit the courts here well. Karatsev in 4
Yesh: Munar is slowly improving, but the Russian is one of the best and most powerful players in the world right now. He’ll blast the defensive Munar off the court. Karatsev in 3
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