The likes of Roberto Bautista Agut and Diego Schwartzman are some of the grittiest players week in, week out, in professional tennis. They play their first round Australian Open matches on day 2 and we have your predictions for every first round match including Frances Tiafoe and Andrey Rublev’s opening matches.
Roberto Bautista Agut vs Stefano Travaglia
Damian Kust: Roberto Bautista Agut had a suboptimal finish to the 2021 season, but was back to his absolute best at the ATP Cup. The Spaniard has always played well in the first month of the season and could be eyeing a deep run here. Bautista Agut in 3
Yesh: Roberto Bautista Agut should be regarded as a dark horse for the title here. The Spaniard is just as good as anyone else in the draw with Djokovic now out. He won’t fall at the first hurdle. Bautista Agut in 3
Grigor Dimitrov vs Jiri Lehecka
Damian: Potentially one of the matches of the round if Jiri Lehecka can come out and play his best tennis in his Grand Slam debut. Can he keep Grigor Dimitrov on the back foot? The Bulgarian is the sensible choice, but he better not disregard the Czech. Dimitrov in 4
Yesh: Grigor Dimitrov still has otherworldly talent, but he puts it together rarely. He doesn’t usually lose to far inferior players in big events, though. Dimitrov in 3
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Diego Schwartzman vs Filip Krajinovic
Damian: The ATP Cup had Diego Schwartzman put up some very contrasting performances. He’ll need to be careful not to lose against Filip Krajinovic, who can take the ball early and capitalize on the conditions Down Under. Schwartzman in 5
Yesh: This is too good for a first-round match. Or maybe not. Both players have massive potential, but neither really puts it together much. I like Krajinovic on faster courts, but it’s been years since we’ve seen him play his best. Then again, Schwartzman’s level right now is a major question mark. Krajinovic in 5
Jan-Lennard Struff vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Damian: Seems very even. Botic van de Zandschulp has a bit more variety in his game, but can’t attack the net as successfully as Jan-Lennard Struff. Holding one’s serve will be of pivotal importance in what is pretty much a toss-up. van de Zandschulp in 5
Yesh: Struff has struggled recently, while Botic van de Zandschulp is still living up that impressive performance from last summer and fall. The Dutchman will continue flying here. van de Zandschulp in 4
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