The ATP season will start this week in Brisbane, with Rafael Nadal’s return to the circuit and his blockbuster matchup with Dominic Thiem in the first round as the main attraction. There are, however, plenty of other compelling players and matchups to look out for this week, including #1 seed Holger Rune and the rising Ben Shelton. We also look at the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article–featuring Andy Murray vs Grigor Dimitrov.
ATP Brisbane Day 1 Predictions
Aslan Karatsev vs Jason Kubler
Head-to-head: Kubker 1-0 Karatsev
Kubler has been off the circuit ever since retiring at the US Open because of injury and his condition is quite unclear at the moment. Karatsev is a highly volatile player, capable of great week but also some shocking losses at times. It is a difficult match to call but under normal circumstances Karatsev should have the slight edge.
Prediction: Karatsev in 3
Ben Shelton vs Roman Safiullin
Head-to-head: Shelton 1-0 Safiullin
Both players had very strong 2023 seasons, but Shelton did it at a higher level, reaching the semifinals at the US Open and winning a 500 event in Tokyo. He’s regarded as one of the most talented young players on tour and is expected to make his way into the top 10 soon. Safiullin has been improving too and should have a good season, but Shelton should have the edge here.
Prediction: Shelton in 3
Holger Rune vs Max Purcell
Head-to-head: first meeting
Rune didn’t have a great end of 2023, but he’s one of the most promising young players on tour and big things are expected from him in 2024 and going forward. The inconsistency he showed during large stretches of 2022 and 2023 is expected to be ironed out as he matures and becomes a certified top players who is a contender for every tournament. Under normal circumstances, he should have far too much in his locker for Purcell to seriously threaten him. Rune will be eager to make a statement this week ahead of the Australian Open.
Prediction: Rune in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
