The 2019 Australian Open men’s draw has been released. The field will be led by top seed, Novak Djokovic. He will be looking to avenge his fourth-round loss from last year and win his seventh title in Melbourne.
This year’s men’s draw will feature some intriguing early-round matchups. Here are some potentially great matches to look forward to.
Round One – Milos Raonic vs Nick Kyrgios
Tennis fans who enjoy big serving will want to catch this round one matchup. Both Raonic and Kyrgios finished 2018 among the top-performing servers on the ATP Tour.
Kyrgios, who is unseeded at a Grand Slam for the first time in three years, will look to upset the 16th seeded Canadian (and former Wimbledon finalist). For the winner, the road doesn’t get any easier. Former Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka may be awaiting the victor in the second round.
Round One – Andy Murray vs Roberto Bautista Agut
Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray will return to the Australian Open after missing it in 2018. This match will take on added significance as Murray has announced his plan to retire at Wimbledon of this year.
Roberto Bautista Agut will come into Melbourne in strong tennis form. Earlier this month, he won the Qatar Open title, defeating Stan Wawrinka, Novak Djokovic, and Tomas Berdych along the way. He will surely be confident in his game going into the Australian Open and has the potential to make a deep run.
Potential Round Two – Chung Hyeon vs Sam Querrey
Few can forget Chung’s dream-like run to the Australian Open semifinal last year. He showed the tennis world what he was capable of as he defeated Alex Zverev and Novak Djokovic before retiring in the semi-final against Roger Federer due to blisters. In the 2019 Australian Open men’s draw, he is seeded 24th.
If Chung gets past American Bradley Klahn, there is a chance he meets Klahn’s compatriot, Sam Querrey, in the second round. While Querrey’s results have been inconsistent, he has shown that he is capable of making deep runs at Grand Slams. If these two meet, Querrey will be looking to pull off the upset.
Potential Round Two – Novak Djokovic vs Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
If he gets past Martin Klizan in round one, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France will likely meet Novak Djokovic in the second round. Djokovic, the reigning ATP World #1, may be tested early in the tournament.
Despite his current ranking of 177, Tsonga is a talented and versatile tennis player. He has made the quarterfinal or better at the Australian Open five times, including one run to the final in 2008 (lost to Djokovic).
Djokovic, who owns a 16-8 head-to-head record against Tsonga, will likely be the heavy favorite in that potential matchup. Regardless, Tsonga will do everything he can to challenge the top-ranked player in what will likely be an entertaining match for the fans. Between former Grand Slam champions, big servers, and players rounding into top form, there are many early-round matches in the 2019 Australian Open men’s draw for fans to look forward to. Play begins this Sunday (local time) at Melbourne Park.
