Australian Open: The five best matches in round one
The draw for the Australian Open 2024 is out. And we have picked out the five most attractive matches for you.
by Jens Huiber
last edit: Jan 11, 2024, 10:49 am
#1: Stefanos Tsitsipas vs. Matteo Berrettini
No doubt about it: under normal circumstances this would be at least a quarterfinal at a major. But nothing has been normal in the last few months, especially for the injury-plagued Italian. Berrettini hasn't been able to play a game since the US Open, also had to miss the Davis Cup final (at least he excelled there as a fan) and is now coming to Melbourne without any match practice. Last year's finalist Tsitsipas, on the other hand, can't exactly look back on refreshing months. Nevertheless: In terms of names, this is probably the top match of the first round. Incidentally, Tsitsipas leads 3-0 in the head-to-head, one of the three games was played at the Australian Open in 2019.
#2: Dominic Thiem vs. Félix Auger-Aliassime
Almost the same applies to Auger-Aliassime as to Berrettini: Nobody knows how the Canadian's body is really doing. In any case, FAA sat out the United Cup and lost to Daniel Altmaier in Auckland. Dominic Thiem, on the other hand, was able to qualify for the main draw in Brisbane, but then lost to Rafael Nadal. Interestingly, there has only been one game between the two so far: in the round of 16 of the US Open in 2020. Thiem won this in three sets - and then won his first and only major title.
#3: Adrian Mannarino vs. Stan Wawrinka
Two warriors who have different approaches to the game: Mannarino works with economical movements and extremely low tension, Wawrinka plays the classic baseline game, sometimes positioning himself a few meters further back than the Frenchman. Mannarino finished last season strongly and goes into the match with the Swiss as number 20 and yet also the favorite. In addition, Mannarino has won both previous encounters.
#4: Ben Shelton vs. Roberto Bautista-Agut
There's a little bit of pressure on Ben Shelton's broad shoulders. Because the American, who is currently competing in the ATP Tour 250 tournament in Auckland, has a quarter-final to defend at the Australian Open. RBA, on the other hand, is still in a comeback phase - but with his routine the Spaniard can pose a threat to almost all players. It will be a first between the two.
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#5: Alexander Zverev vs. Dominic Koepfer
Yes, it is not the first time that Alexander Zverev has met a compatriot in round one of a major. And of course Zverev is the favorite after the United Cup against Dominik Koepfer. But: Koepfer has already shown very good form this season. And he certainly won't accept his fate without a fight. The German number one has won the two previous encounters in Acapulco and Halle, both from 2021.
Here is the singles tableau from the Australian Open 2024
aomap