The Grandstand weighs in with its picks for the best Tuesday matchups at the Australian Open.
(2) Roger Federer vs. Benoit Paire
Ricky: Talk about a coincidence: Paire faced Stanislas Wawrinka (seemingly his best friend on tour) in last year’s first round and now he has to go up against another certain Swiss right off the bat. You can be sure that Paire will be in rare form in this one…and I don’t mean with his tennis game. Theatrics will be must-see from start to finish and the entertainment level of this one should be off the charts. As for the outcome, Federer routined the Frenchman 6-2, 6-2 last fall in Basel and a similar result can be expected. Still, Benoit Paire may be a household name by the end of it. Federer 6-1, 6-3, 7-5.
Adrin: Federer will make his 2013 debut against the talented Frenchman. He will be looking to shake off any rust, while Paire just wants to give a good account of himself on Rod Laver Arena. Paire was one of the most improved players in 2012, having finished inside the Top 50. True to form, he began the season well with a semifinal showing in Chennai but bowed out early in Auckland. These two have met only once, with Federer picking up a routine win in Basel last year. Paire may make things interesting for a set, but don’t expect any drama here. Federer 7-5, 6-1, 6-4.
(3) Andy Murray vs. Robin Haase
Ricky: This head-to-head matchup has been a borderline disaster for Murray in the past. Haase prevailed 7-5, 6-3 at the 2008 Rotterdam event and he held a two-set lead at the 2011 U.S. Open before Murray stormed back to win 6-7(5), 2-6, 6-2, 6-0, 6-4. Well, this one is going to be different. Murray is a major champion now and he is also in stellar form, coming off a strong end to 2012 and a title two weeks ago in Brisbane. Haase is 1-2 this season with disappointing losses in Chennai and Auckland. Murray 6-2, 7-6(4), 6-2.
Adrin: Murray has already begun his season in fine form, winning the title in Brisbane. Haase is more of a question mark (and that could be said of his entire career). The Dutchman actually picked up a win over Murray several years ago and even held a two-set lead at the USO, but he then proceeded to collapse in lamentable fashion. Expect Murray to get off to a solid start here and not give the talented Haase any thought of victory. Murray 6-3, 7-5, 6-1 .
(18) Alexandr Dolgopolov vs. Gael Monfils
Ricky: On paper this is the best matchup of the first round. By far. When these two are at their best, this is a matchup that is better suited for a Grand Slam quarterfinal than for a first round. But because of Monfils’ injury woes in 2012, a first-rounder is the reality with which we have to deal. All things being equal (in other words, with a 100 percent Monfils), I would take the Frenchman for a minor upset. He looked decent in Doha and played well in Auckland, but that tournament ended in a loss to David Ferrer that once again brought up injury concerns. Right now, I don’t think Monfils has enough to get past an opponent like Dolgopolov in three out of five sets. Dolgopolov 6-3, 6-7(6), 7-5, 6-2.
Adrin: Ever since the draw came out, this was one of the first-round matches to watch. Dolgopolov is always one to watch with his eclectic, cagey game, while Monfils is a human highlight-reel. The Frenchman missed most of last year with a knee injury, so he is unseeded here. But what is worrisome is that he appeared to run out of steam in the semifinals of Auckland in a match he did well to finish. The competitiveness of this match will depend on whether Monfils is fit (he described himself as feeling “stiff”). Thus, the edge goes to Dolgopolov, but this match will have more than its fair share of interesting rallies. Dolgopolov 4-6, 7-6, 6-2, 6-4.
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(19) Tommy Haas vs. Jarkko Nieminen
Ricky: All signs point to Haas winning this battle of veterans. Haas is 26-11 lifetime at the Australian Open, is a three-time semifinalist (yes, you read that right), and has not lost in the first round since his first appearance in 1998 (yes, 1998, you read that right). Nieminen scored some solid victories in Brisbane and Sydney, but the Finn has advanced out of the Melbourne first round only once in his last four appearances. He is still going strong at 31 years old, but his form is nothing compared to what the 34-year-old Haas displayed in 2012. Count on the German extending his head-to-head series lead to 4-0. Haas 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-3.
Adrin: You can expect this to be one of the better first-round matches, as both Haas and Nieminen are quality, veteran players and this is an interesting contrast in styles. The lefty Finn, like Haas, has been around the block and was once ranked as high as 13th. It seems Haas is a comeback player every other year, as he has suffered through every type of injury and surgery imaginable. Both Nieminen and Haas have begun the season ideally, picking up some match wins without overextending themselves before Melbourne. Haas holds a decided edge in their head-to-head series, winning all three of their matches to date, but this won’t be as straightforward as one may think. Haas 6-4, 2-6, 7-5, 6-3.
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