Tennis fans around the world will celebrate the start of the Australian Open in Melbourne with matchups like Kyle Edmund vs Jannik Sinner on deck. We have predictions for every day 1 match in Melbourne and complete tournament coverage.
Kyle Edmund vs Jannik Sinner
Damian Kust: We’ve just seen this one in Adelaide and it wasn’t close. Edmund had a crazy upside not so long ago, but it’s taking him a while to get back to that level after all the injury struggles. Especially his movement is just subpar so far and will likely be exposed by a baseliner of Sinner’s class again.
Sinner in 3
Jakub Bobro: A re-match of a first round from Adelaide which ended in a straightforward 6-3 6-2 win for Sinner. Edmund lost in straight sets again in his next match so I expect Sinner to dispatch the Brit in this upcoming match. Sinner in 3
Shane Black: Jannik Sinner’s game is perfectly suited for the fast courts of Melbourne. He beat Kyle Edmund 6-3 6-2 two weeks ago in Adelaide. He should roll here. Sinner in 3
Arthur Rinderknech vs Yosuke Watanuki
Damian: Watanuki is on an absolute tear right now, having won 16 of his last 17 matches. The Japanese is an underrated ball-striker and loves getting the first strike in the rallies. He’s got the game to win this, but it’s probably not a great matchup as Rinderknech hits a heavy enough ball to sort of keep him in check. Rinderknech in 5
Jakub: Watanuki is one of the most in-form players coming into Melbourne, 17-1 in his last 18 matches. The 24-year-old had a stumble in qualifying, almost losing to Mikhail Kukushkin. Watanuki overcame it though and will make his slam main draw debut against Rinderknech, a top 50 player in questionable form. The Frenchman beat Francisco Cerundolo in his season opener but lost to Borna Coric and Marc-Andrea Huesler. This should be an even match-up but I will lean towards Watanuki here. Watanuki in 5
Shane: Both Arthur Rinderknech and Yosuke Watanuki finished the 2022 season in fine form. Watanuki has won 16 of his last 17 matches, dating back to last season. He dropped just one set in qualifying and is playing with confidence. That said, I believe Rinderknech’s experience will help lead him to round two. Rinderknech in 5
John Millman vs Marc-Andrea Huesler
Damian: Huesler will never really be the most reliable favorite, not with how aggressive his playstyle is. But if he doesn’t hit himself off the court, he should be able to progress here as Millman has entered a rapid decline over the past year or so and has rarely been fully fit as well. Huesler in 4
Jakub: Millman has had some strong performances in Melbourne since he first entered qualifying back in 2009, especially his 2020 run where he took out Ugo Humbert and Hubert Hurkacz before coming close to upsetting Roger Federer. The 33-year-old’s level has dropped off since though while Huesler has enjoyed the best stretch of his career over the past four months. The Swiss has continued his good form into the new season, entering Melbourne 3-1 on the year. We might see Millman rising to the occasion and playing some great tennis but more likely Huesler will win comfortably. Huesler in 4
Shane: John Millman has advanced out of the first round in five of the last six Australian Opens. He faces a very tough test this year against the in-form Marc-Andrea Huesler. Huesler holds a 3-1 record this season and should be able to puncture through Millman’s game. Huesler in 4
Borna Coric vs Jiri Lehecka
Damian: One of the matchups of the round. Lehecka is getting used to the tour and already looks more comfortable at the net than before the off-season. It should be a fun clash of styles but for now, a slight edge has to go to Coric who’ll bring a somewhat steady level in every set they play. The young Czech is way more erratic. Coric in 5
Jakub: Coric’s record at the Australian Open is not amazing. Outside of his 2019 run to the fourth round, the Croat is 1-6. The 26-year-old had a solid start to the season at the United Cup, beating Arthur Rinderknech and Francisco Cerundolo before losing to Stefanos Tsitsipas in three sets. Lehecka has also had a decent start to the year, beating Alexander Zverev in his comeback match and losing to Taylor Fritz before going to New Zealand. In Auckland, the Czech defeated Jan Choinski and Facundo Bagnis to qualify before defeating Thiago Monteiro in the main draw and taking a set off Cameron Norrie. Lehecka should provide a good challenge to Coric but I expect the Croat to take the win. Coric in 4
Shane: The variety in this match between Borna Coric and Jiri Lehecka should be enjoyable to watch. Coric looked good to start the season at the United Cup and should be able to out-last Lehecka with his consistency. Coric in 4
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