American Taylor Fritz has to fancy his chances at the Australian Open this year, he’ll start his tournament against Nikoloz Basilashvili. Our Last Word on Tennis writers have complete coverage of the tournament, and predictions for every day 2 match.
Taylor Fritz vs Nikoloz Basilashvili
Damian Kust: Fritz has a golden shot at another deep Slam run here, finding himself in Ruud’s quarter. This could be competitive if Basilashvili brings his best, but it feels like ages since the Georgian was a threat. Fritz in 4
Yesh Ginsburg: Fritz is fresh off a career best season and should be looking forward to starting another on a good note. The American is in solid form and the better player in this matchup. Fritz in 3
Shane Black: Seeded 8th, Taylor Fritz has high hopes in Melbourne. He looked very solid in lead-up wins over Matteo Berrettini, Hubert Hurkacz, and Alexander Zverev. His round-one opponent, Nikoloz Basilashvili, can be lethal when in form. That said, the Georgian is just 4-12 since Wimbledon and will not have an answer for Fritz’s consistency. Fritz in 3
Mattia Bellucci vs Benjamin Bonzi
Damian: Bellucci was awesome in the qualifying and in a couple of years, he’ll be a brilliant addition to the ATP Tour. The question is whether at the highest level he won’t get overpowered and won’t be allowed to use his creativity. Bonzi is not the kind of opponent who will blow him off the court, but he is likely powerful enough to win. Bonzi in 4
Yesh: Bonzi is a lot of fun, and his serve should respond well to this surface. His form hasn’t been his best recently, but he has a good draw here. Bonzi in 3
Shane: Benjamin Bonzi looked terrific in his run to the Pune final. He looks comfortable to start the season and should be able to dictate this match against the 21-year-old Italian. Bonzi in 4
Enzo Couacaud vs Hugo Dellien
Damian: What a draw for Couacaud. Dellien has an 8-23 outdoor hard court record and hasn’t played since June due to an elbow injury. The Frenchman qualified for the last three Slams and perhaps this is his reward. Couacaud in 4
Yesh: This would be a great match on clay. Couacaud looked decent in qualifying, so I’ll go with him for now. Couacaud in 5
Shane: Enzo Couacaud took all nine sets to get through his three qualifying matches. He is a solid hardcourt player who has won ten of his last 12 matches dating back to last year. Hugo Dellien is a very consistent player, but I do not think he has the weapons to win this match. Couacaud in 5
Nicolas Jarry vs Miomir Kecmanovic
Damian: Jarry can always keep things close if the serve is firing, pretty much regardless of the opponent. Kecmanovic has probably started his year a bit too well, but it’s a matchup where he won’t get much rhythm and that can always get tricky. Kecmanovic in 4
Yesh: Jarry is nowhere near what he once seemed to have the potential for. It’s really a sad note about a career that never took off. Kecmanovic is inconsistent, but he’s the better player right now. Kecmanovic in 4
Shane: Miomir Kecmanovic had a career year in 2022 and has proven he is a top 30 player in the sport. The slick courts should play into his game as he looks to dictate play against Nicolas Jarry. Kecmanovic in 4
Main Photo:
