Last year at the US Open, Andy Murray and Matteo Berrettini played a thrilling four set match, they will now get a rematch at the Australian Open on day 2 of the tournament. Our panelists offer their predictions for that match, and every day 2 match in Melbourne, with Last Word on Tennis providing complete tournament coverage.
Matteo Berrettini vs Andy Murray
Damian Kust: Brutal draw, but probably far more brutal for Murray than it is for Berrettini. The Italian looked great at the ATP Cup and has a fantastic track record in best-of-five play in recent years. He would be very disappointed to lose this one. Berrettini in 4
Josh Hall: This is a repeat of the 3rd round of the US Open 2022, when Berrettini came out on top in 4 sets. A lot will depend on the level of Murray, he has been prepping at the Kooyong Classic and shown signs to be optimistic. At that game in the US open, Murray only created 4 break point opportunities, with the expected fast conditions. I would lean towards Berrettini coming out of top again. Berrettini has been a consistent performer at grand slams in the last couple of years, making the second week of slams on quite a few occasions. Berrettini in 4
Shane Black: An absolutely brutal draw for both players as Matteo Berrettini and Andy Murray have second-week hopes. Murray showed flashes of greatness last season, but I do not believe he has the current form to beat a player like Berrettini over five sets. The fast conditions will only help the Italian. Berrettini in 4
Yesh Ginsburg: What a tremendous first-round match. Berrettini is still a potential Major winner when he’s healthy. Murray is… well, who knows? He looks like a Top 10 player at moments, but not for whole weeks. Sometimes even not for whole matches. Still, his return should slow Berrettini enough that we get a great match. Berrettini in 5
Thanasi Kokkinakis vs Fabio Fognini
Damian: Kokkinakis played a lot of tennis the past fortnight, but his level was simply excellent in almost every match. He won’t even need to be that good against Fognini, who’s struggling at the moment. The Australian has looked like a different beast at home. Kokkinakis in 4
Josh: Kokkinakis comes into this game off the back off a couple weeks of positive performances in Adelaide, however last year he won in Adelaide and went on to lose in straight sets in the first round of the Australian Open. Fabio Fognini is somewhat impossible to predict these days, he is potentially in his last year of competing but yet so dangerous. This game has a lot of questions for me. How much does Kokkinakis have left in the tank? What Fognini will turn up? Kokkinakis in 5
Shane: Thanasi Kokkinakis holds a 4-2 record to start the season after a run to the Adelaide semifinals. The Australian will have the crowd on his side and should use this to his advantage. Kokkinakis’ serving prowess should frustrate Fabio Fognini and lead him to a victory. Kokkinakis in 4
Yesh: Fognini is well past his prime and likely towards the end of his career. He’s still fun to watch, but Kokkinakis has a real future if the Australian can stay healthy. Kokkinakis in 3
Jan-Lennard Struff vs Tommy Paul
Damian: Could be one of the matches of the round. Struff had a very dominant qualifying campaign and a strong start to the season as a whole. Paul is not exactly upset-prone though with his amazing athleticism and consistency. This should be a great battle. Paul in 5
Josh: Jan-Lennard Struff successfully came through qualifying to make the main draw at the Australian Open, he faces a tough first round against the improving Tommy Paul. Paul leads to head to head 2-0, and is one player sneaking under the radar. A lot will depend on the first set, Lennard-Struff struggles mentally and if faced with a set deficit, I can only see this going one way. Paul in 5
Shane: Tommy Paul had a career year in 2022 and just missed out on a seed at this event. This looks like a straightforward match for the American, but form may play a factor in this one. Paul has played just two matches this season (1-1), whereas Jan-Lennard Struff holds a 6-1 record on the young season. The German will push Paul, but I do not think it will be enough. Paul in 5
Yesh: Tommy Paul had a very good 2022. I expect 2023 to get off on a strong note, with a good run in Melbourne. Paul in 4
Joao Sousa vs Roberto Bautista Agut
Damian: Bautista Agut is coming off a runner-up appearance in Auckland, which could make his fuel tank run a bit low. The extra day-off should help though and Sousa just doesn’t seem that dangerous at the moment. Bautista Agut in 4
Josh: This matchup will be as exhausting to watch as it will be for the players. This game will be a grind for both players, the baseline will see a lot of action. Bautista-Agut has performed at a far higher level over the past couple of years. Sousa has enough quality to steal a set, but Bautista-Agut will be just too consistent and expect him to grind Sousa down and get the win. Bautista Agut in 4
Shane: Roberto Bautista Agut is coming off a runner-up finish in Adelaide. The veteran Spaniard is playing some solid tennis and should flourish on the hard courts of Melbourne. Joao Sousa does not have the weapons to punish RBA. Bautista Agut in 4
Yesh: Bautista Agut is beginning to show signs of decline. He never had the talent to win Majors, but he had the consistency in every point to get close. That consistency is slowly slipping. Upsets will come for the Spaniard, though this isn’t the right matchup to start them. Bautista Agut in 3
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