Action in the lead up to the Australian Open turn to the ATP ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, as the players look to put themselves in the best possible shape to compete at the first Grand Slam of the year. We here at LWOS provide you insight into the lineup of matches on Day 1. Who do you back to progress?<\/p>\n
Head-to-Head: First Meeting<\/p>\n
Luciano Darderi and Nuno Borges are both struggling for form heading into their first ATP meeting. Darderi has had a disappointing run in recent months, with early exits in multiple tournaments, while Borges has been inconsistent, failing to make significant breakthroughs. Their shared struggles make this match difficult to predict, but with both players battling for confidence, the outcome could be a closely contested affair, with either player having the opportunity to seize a much-needed victory. Head-to-Head: Carball\u00e9s Baena 2:2 Pouille<\/p>\n Roberto Carball\u00e9s Baena and Lucas Pouille face off in a closely matched encounter, with their head-to-head record tied at 2-2, all from meetings on the Challenger<\/a> circuit and on clay. Carball\u00e9s Baena has been inconsistent of late and primarily excels on slower surfaces which leaves him at a bigger disadvantage coming into this match. While Pouille is working to regain form after injury struggles. Pouille\u2019s hard-court experience gives him a slight edge, though Carball\u00e9s Baena\u2019s resilience could make this a tightly contested match.
\nPrediction: Borges in 3<\/em><\/p>\nRoberto Carball\u00e9s Baena vs Lucas Pouille<\/h4>\n
\nPrediction: Pouille in 2<\/em><\/p>\n