Andy Murray, who announced his plans to retire from tennis in 2019, will kick off his last-ever Australian Open against Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut, while Marin Cilic takes on perennial Aussie bad boy Bernard Tomic on Monday.
(22) Roberto Bautista Agut vs. Andy Murray
In a tearful pre-Australian Open press conference, Murray announced that he will be retiring from professional tennis in 2019–with the goal to play a final Wimbledon before bidding goodbye to the sport (but not guaranteeing it). Thus, any match in which Murray is involved could well be his last and is worth watching for that reason alone.
The draw gods did not smile on Murray in his last Aussie Open. Bautista Agut, a late bloomer if there ever was one, comes into Melbourne off the tournament of his life in Doha a week ago. On his way to the title, the Spaniard dispatched Stanislas Wawrinka, Novak Djokovic, and Tomas Berdych.
Nostalgia calls for a tip in Murray’s direction, but with the Scot playing in constant pain and Bautista Agut’s excellent form, anything other than a straight-set victory for RBA would be a surprise.
Cheryl pick: Bautista Agut in 3
Ricky pick: Bautista Agut in 4
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(6) Marin Cilic vs. Bernard Tomic
No. 6 seed and 2018 Aussie Open finalist Cilic will take on Australia’s Tomic in his Melbourne opener. The Croat, who rarely seems to be a contender Down Under, took 2018 champion Roger Federer to five sets before eventually falling 6-1 in the fifth. Cilic reached the quarters at both Roland Garros and the U.S. Open, making him one of the more consistent players of 2018.
His first-round opponent is the oft-criticized Tomic, an Aussie known as much for his poor behavior and lack of effort than for his prowess on court. Lately, the he has shown some signs of life–coming through qualifying at the event in Chengdu to capture his first title since 2015.
Tomic has been known to surprise fans and opponents alike with occasional flashes of brilliance, but a veteran like Cilic knows how to get the job done on the biggest stages.
Cheryl pick: Cilic in 4
Ricky pick: Cilic in 3
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