Daniil Medvedev, a two-time consecutive finalist at the Australian Open will begin his 2023 tournament against Marcos Giron. We have predictions for every day 1 match in both men’s and women’s singles at the Australian Open and complete tournament coverage.
Daniil Medvedev vs Marcos Giron
Damian Kust: We should get plenty of entertaining rallies here and it’s probably going to be a match where we’ll say that Giron played pretty well, but the scoreline won’t reflect that. The American just doesn’t have enough weaponry to consistently win points off Medvedev, but he’ll produce a few highlights. Medvedev in 3
Shane Black: I believe Daniil Medvedev is a man on a mission in Melbourne. Marcos Giron does not have the weapons to phase him, as the No. 7 seed should cruise. Medvedev in 3
Jakub Bobro: With Nadal out of form and having to face Draper, Medvedev might have a nice path to the semifinals that could start here. Giron has done very well to become a regular on the main tour but taking out Medvedev here would be a huge surprise from the American. Medvedev in 3
Thiago Monteiro vs Constant Lestienne
Damian: Lestienne got to the semifinals in Auckland, but after a crazy couple of matches and eventually ended up withdrawing. In theory, he’s the better player on hard courts, but this kinda feels like a possible spot where he could flop to Monteiro, who might not enjoy the surface that much, but he always makes you beat him. Monteiro in 5
Shane: Even in losses to Matteo Berrettini and Casper Ruud, I have liked what I have seen from Thiago Montiero to begin the season. He is finding more comfort on hard courts and should feel confident, having beaten Constant Lestienne in 2019. Monteiro in 4
Jakub: After annihilating the Challenger Tour last season, Lestienne gets to enjoy direct entry now. There are question marks surrounding the Frenchman though as he withdrew before his Auckland semifinal against Richard Gasquet. If Lestienne is fit though, he should be beating Monteiro on hard courts. Lestienne in 4
Ernesto Escobedo vs Taro Daniel
Damian: Escobedo had a tragic second half of 2022, but he found his groove a bit in the qualifying draw. Especially in the final round, his footwork was suddenly much more dynamic like in the good old days. If he can hit those vintage inside-in and inside-out forehands, he’s got every chance of making the slight upset here. Escobedo in 5
Shane: Ernesto Escobedo cruised through qualifying without dropping a set. I like his current form and believe he can dictate the flow of the match against Taro Daniel. Escobedo in 4
Jakub: Beginning qualifying as an American and finishing it representing Mexico, Escobedo surprised in Melbourne in more ways than one. The Mexican has found little form over the past 12 months but performed really well to earn his main draw spot. Now that he’s on a run, Daniel could very well be another casualty. Escobedo in 4
Federico Coria vs Marton Fucsovics
Damian: This should be pretty clear on a hard court. Fucsovics’ ranking dipped last year, but he regained plenty of confidence through deep Challenger runs, including a title at a very stacked event in Canberra this month. Coria doesn’t have the right set of tools to play well in quicker conditions. Fucsovics in 3
Shane: Federico Coria is 1-4 to start his 2023 season. He has never been comfortable on hard courts. Martin Fucsovics won a Challenger title in Canberra last week and should be feeling very confident in his game. Fucsovics in 3
Jakub: Fucsovics dropped down to the Challenger level at the end of last season and found his form, returning back to the Top 100 and continuing it into the new year as he lifted the title at a stacked Challenger in Canberra. Coria is one of the easiest opponents you could hope for in this draw, not providing much of a challenge outside of clay. Fucsovics in 3
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