Facing unknown first-round opponents is not exactly a rare occurrence at Grand Slams. Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, however, will not be doing that at the Australian Open on Monday. Djokovic is kicking off his campaign against Jan-Lennard Struff, while Federer awaits Steve Johnson.
Jan-Lennard Struff vs. (2) Novak Djokovic
Djokovic will begin his bid for a second straight Australian Open title, eighth overall, and 17th slam when he meets Struff on Monday night. The second-ranked Serb is already up to his usual tricks Down Under, having led his country to the inaugural ATP Cup title last week. Djokovic went 6-0 in singles (including wins over Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev, Gael Monfils, and Denis Shapovalov) and 2-0 in doubles.
The head-to-head series stands at 2-0 in favor of the No. 2 seed, who is 5-0 in totals sets. Only one set has been more competitive than 6-3. Struff is a dangerous player because of his huge serve and forehand, but he does not have the consistency required to play long points against a defender of Djokovic’s calibre. The favorite’s service return will once again be too tough for Struff,
Pick: Djokovic in 3 losing 8-10 games
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(3) Roger Federer vs. Steve Johnson
Federer and Johnson will also be squaring off for the third time in their careers on Monday. The 38-year-old Swiss has taken each of their previous encounters; 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 four years ago at Wimbledon and 7-6(3), 7-6(4) one season later in Indian Wells. Although Johnson is well younger at 30, he is the one who is slowing down. The American has plunged to 81st in the rankings due in part to a 14-21 record on the main tour in 2019. Johnson has played two Challenger events this season, losing to Philipp Kohlschreiber in the Canberra quarterfinals and winning the Bendigo title on Saturday. He will have only day of rest prior to the Aussie Open.
Prior to getting upset by Stefanos Tsitsipas during fourth-round action last year, Federer had reached at least the Australian Open semifinals 14 times in the span of 15 trips–including triumphs in 2017 and 2018. The world No. 3 has a long way to go before he can start seriously thinking about major title No. 21, but Johnson should not present much a roadblock. A well-rested Federer should coast past a struggling opponent.
Pick: Federer in 3 losing 8-10 games
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WWW?
Fedole, both in 3, Fed losing 8-10, Djoker losing 11-14.
Let the games begin! Joker & Fed will roll
How’s the weather conditions at Melbourne? Is there the haze blown in from the forest fire at NSW?
improved because it is raining a lot
Pretty good at the moment. The smoke haze can change from day to day, however there shouldn’t be too many problems as more rain is forecast in the next 3-5 days.
So there’ll probably be some rain delay(s), but the air quality will be okay.