The Australian Open gets underway on Monday, when young guns Andrey Rublev, Denis Shapovalov, and Stefanos Tsitsipas take the court. Ricky Dimon of The Grandstand and Steen Kirby of Tennis Atlantic preview four of the best matchups and make their picks.
David Ferrer vs. (30) Andrey Rublev
Ricky: Both guys are coming off strong starts to the season. Ferrer reached the Auckland semis before falling to Juan Martin Del Potro and Rublev finished runner-up to Gael Monfils in Doha. Yes, the 20-year-old Russian made a run to the 2017 U.S. Open quarters; but he is still inexperienced (certainly compared to Ferrer). The Spaniard may be able to break Rublev down at the tail end of a thriller. Ferrer in 5: 6-3, 3-6, 6-7(4), 6-2, 7-5.
Steen: Both players showed some solid form in early-season tournaments tests. Ferrer has far more experience at this level though and should be able to grit out another tough victory in Melbourne. Ferrer in 5: 6-4, 4-6, 6-7, 7-5, 6-2.
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Stefanos Tsitsipas vs. Denis Shapovalov
Ricky: Shapovalov made it to the inaugural NextGen ATP Finals in Milan, while Tsitsipas missed it by one spot. Both teenagers should qualify with ease this year. In 2017 it was Shapovalov’s time to shine and now Tsitsipas is making a name for himself, as the Greek opened with a quarterfinal performance in Doha. But the Canadian should benefit from past slam success, having advanced to the second week at last summer’s U.S. Open. Shapovalov in 4: 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 6-3.
Steen: Shapovalov has more upside, but his form seems to be questionable at the moment and more of the pressure is on him in this match. The talented Tsitsipas can swing freely and grab a minor upset. Tsitsipas in 4: 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.
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(31) Pablo Cuevas vs. Mikhail Youzhny:
Ricky: There is no telling what Youzhny’s form is like, as the 35-year-old has not yet played this season. But there is some good news: a draw against Cuevas–especially on a hard court–is a favorable one. The Uruguayan was in such dire need of confidence last fall that he actually decided to vulture a Challenger event in Montevideo to end his season (he won it). Cuevas likely won’t win this one. Youzhny in 5: 2-6, 6-1, 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-2.
Steen: Cuevas has an abysmal hard-court record for a player of his stature. That gives Youzhny a good chance in this once. That being said, the Russian is far past his prime and I don’t have that much confidence in his tennis these days. I’ll go with Youzhny in a messy match. Youzhny in 5: 7-5, 5-7, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2.
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(11) Kevin Anderson vs. Kyle Edmund
Ricky: Their only previous encounter came last year at Roland Garros, and it did nit disappoint. Anderson prevailed 6-7(6), 7-6(4), 5-7, 6-1, 6-4. It should not be as close this time around. After all, the South African was slowly making his way back from injury at that point. Now he is 100 percent and armed with the confidence of finishing runner-up at the most recent hard-court major (to Rafael Nadal at the U.S. Open). Anderson in 4: 7-6(5), 7-5, 4-6, 6-3.
Steen: Anderson enjoyed a great 2017 campaign and his start to 2018 has been solid, as well. Edmund isn’t a bad player by any measure, but Anderson’s game really stacks up well here and he could make a deep run Down Under. Anderson in 3: 6-4, 7-6, 6-4.
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who ya got?
Cuevas and Stephanos FTWs.
Anderson is a no brainer.
Tsitsipas Shapo! Such a great game to see in a GS.
It’s definitely my favorite match from this first round, and I hope to see a good performance from both players.
I go with Ricky on this, I think the Canadian has an advantage considering his slightly better experience in playing to the best of 5.
Anderson in four shapo in five youzhny in five Ferrer in five. These are the kind of matches one should see courtside if they have tickets.