Expect plenty of entertaining tennis on day one at the Australian Open with a number of star names in action in Melbourne. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Alexander Bublik vs Jenson Brooksby, Carlos Alcaraz vs Adam Walton, and Frances Tiafoe vs Jason Kubler. But who will book their spot in the round of 64?
Australian Open Day 1 Predictions
Alexander Zverev vs Gabriel Diallo
Nurein: When the draw came out, this looked like a potential banana skin for last year’s runner up. But back-to-back defeats for Gabriel Diallo raises concerns about his form and match readiness. A good serving performance should calm any nerves for Alexander Zverev and any chance of a possible first round upset.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Jordan: This is among the trickiest opening matches Zverev could have received. Diallo is very talented and never shows any fear in his matches. The German’s tendency to go into his shell would also help Diallo, but last year’s runner-up remains the favorite to progress.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Zain: Still chasing his first Major title, Zverev, who has not been in the best of form, opens his campaign against the powerful Diallo. This is a match I feel the Canadian has a great opportunity to pull off an upset in, but ultimately Zverev’s still-solid consistency from the baseline makes me go with the German.
Prediction: Zverev in 5
Flavio Cobolli vs Arthur Fery
Nurein: Arthur Fery was almost unplayable in qualifying where he dropped no more than four games per set as he cruised past Edward Winter, Bernard Tomic and Dino Prizmic. But facing a top 32 seed gives him minimal chances of progressing. Flavio Cobolli played well at the United Cup and his proven ability to manage pressure means he can salvage the situation if this match goes the distance.
Prediction: Cobolli in 4
Jordan: Fery’s chances of matching Cobolli’s intensity are slim. The Briton played well in qualifying, not dropping a set, but he does not possess any significant weapons. Cobolli’s massive forehand will likely prove too much to handle.
Prediction: Cobolli in 3
Zain: Fery is a clean striker of the ball, who in the qualifiers looked to like the conditions here in Melbourne. But Cobolli will be a big jump in the level of opponent, and the Italian’s overall stability from both wings should see him through in this match.
Prediction: Cobolli in 4
Franciso Comesana vs Patrick Kypson
Nurein: Francisco Comesana might be one of the tour’s most underrated players. He’s got exceptional court coverage. Patrick Kypson has played more hard court matches in his career, but the Argentine’s weight of shot and movement eclipses that of the American.
Prediction: Comesana in 4
Jordan: This is an interesting matchup. Comesana is higher-ranked, but he plays his best tennis on clay. Kypson has a chance if he executes his powerful groundstrokes and consistently rushes Comesana. The American is narrowly favoured to do that well enough and triumph.
Prediction: Kypson in 4
Zain: Both players should feel like they can win this match, with Comesana the better overall player and Kypson having weapons, including a great serve, to use in these conditions. In a match that could go either way, Comesana’s mindset of being okay to make the match as physical as possible can be the difference-maker here.
Prediction: Comesana in 4
Emilio Nava vs Kyrian Jacquet
Nurein: Both
men are making their Australian Open main draw debut, but Emilio Nava is better prepared for this match. Kyrian Jacquet retired in the semifinal of the Canberra Challenger and didn’t play this past week.
Prediction: Nava in 4
Jordan: This is a golden opportunity for both players. Jacquet has never won a Grand Slam main draw match, while Nava has only managed it twice. I trust Nava’s talent slightly more, but this could go either way.
Prediction: Nava in 5
Zain: Each player in this match brings strengths that should, on paper, be enough to win it, with Nava the better server and Jacquet being the more willing baseliner. The bigger weapon gets the nod here for me, especially in conditions that could test you physically.
Prediction: Nava in 5
Main photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images