Novak Djokovic makes his long-awaited return to the Australian Open, his first-round match will be against Robert Carballes Baena. We have predictions for every day 2 match in Melbourne, and complete tournament coverage.
Grigor Dimitrov vs Aslan Karatsev
Damian Kust: How do you even predict this clash? Both players have extremely high ceilings, but also struggle to produce them on regular basis. Karatsev did so well here two years ago and if he can recreate some of that magic, his overwhelming power could help him get past Dimitrov. Karatsev in 5
Shane Black: After a meteoric rise in 2021 (including a run to the Aussie Open semifinals), Aslan Karatsev has dropped back down to world No. 52. Grigor Dimitrov should be able to use his consistency to frustrate Karatsev. Look for his one-handed backhand to be the difference. Dimitrov in 4
Yesh Ginsburg: This is a bad matchup for Dimitrov, whose conditioning isn’t great, especially in the heat, this late in his career. Karatsev hasn’t been consistent in over a year now, but when he’s clicking he’ll blast Dimitrov off the court. Karatsev in 5
Daniel Elahi Galan vs Jeremy Chardy
Damian: Chardy is coming back to tennis after a long hiatus, but this is a winnable draw. He’s already played three doubles matches, so he has some time on the court under his belt. Will it be enough to beat Galan, who’s managed to more or less find his feet on the ATP Tour? We’ll see. Galan in 5
Shane: Daniel Galan had a career year in 2022 and is a player I expect to break out on the tour level this season. Although hard courts are not his preferred surface, I do not think he should have trouble against Jeremy Chardy. The Frenchman has not played a professional match in over 16 months. Galan in 3
Yesh: Chardy is still plugging along on Tour, consistent enough to beat players like Galan, especially on a hard court. Chardy in 4
Tseng Chun Hsin vs Alexei Popyrin
Damian: Popyrin played some phenomenal tennis in the first two weeks of the year scoring the best win of his career against Auger-Aliassime. He should be quite comfortable here as Tseng is looking really far off the ATP Tour quality at the moment, especially in faster conditions. Popyrin in 3
Shane: 23-year-old Alexei Popyrin and 21-year-old Tseng Chun Hsin are likely to provide great theater in this next-Gen matchup. Popyrin should have the advantage in his home country. Tseng has not won a match since late September. His form gives me no reason to believe he figures it out in this one. Popyrin in 4
Yesh: Popyrin has so much potential, but he’s been floundering for a while. Still, he likes his home courts, and his powerful serve should have an impact here. Popyrin in 4
Roberto Carballes Baena vs Novak Djokovic
Damian: Good warm-up round for Djokovic. This would be an upset comparable to the one Istomin produced over him here in 2017, but its way tougher to do when your game is nowhere near explosive. Djokovic in 3
Shane: Novak Djokovic is on a mission for Grand Slam title No. 22. No part of Roberto Carballes Baena’s game should threaten him. Djokovic in 3
Yesh: I have no idea who in this draw can touch Djokovic. I do know that it won’t be Carballes Baena. Djokovic in 3
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