The Australian Open serves up a pair of appealing first-round matches on Tuesday, as U.S. Open finalist Daniil Medvedev takes on Frances Tiafoe and Belgian veteran David Goffin battles Jeremy Chardy. Medevev finished runner-up a the most recent slam.
(4) Daniil Medvedev vs. Frances Tiafoe“
Daniil Medvedev put together one of the most impressive runs in recent memory during the second half of 2019. The Russian, who started the summer knocking on the door of the top 10, shocked the tennis world by appearing in six consecutive finals–including a cracker of a U.S. Open final which he barely lost to Rafael Nadal.
The 2019 U.S. Open runner-up comes into Melbourne as the new world No. 4 and one of the early favorites to win his first Grand Slam in two weeks. However he’s going to need to hit the ground running as he faces last year’s quarterfinalist Frances Tiafoe.
A year ago, Tiafoe looked positioned to have his big breakthrough season. The American youngster stormed to the quarterfinals at the Australian Open, where he finally lost to Nadal. But a great season never quite materialized. He finds himself ranked No. 50 in the world and the draw gods handed him Medvedev straight away.
Medvedev has already proven that he’s in good form. He is 4-1 for the year already, his only loss a thriller at the ATP Cup to defending Aussie Open champion Novak Djokovic. Tiafoe, who also played the ATP Cup, is 0-2 on the season. Expect Medvedev to roll in this one.
Cheryl pick: Medvedev in 3
Ricky pick: Medvedev in 3
(11) David Goffin vs. Jeremy Chardy
David Goffin, will take on French veteran Jeremy Chardy on Tuesday Melbourne. The Belgian is coming an impressively consistent 2019 season. He won no titles, but he made a couple of finals and advanced to the quarterfinals at Wimbledon.
Chardy went ever-so-slightly off the boil in 2019. The Frenchman saw his ranking dip to No. 74 last summer, low enough that he was forced to qualify for ATP tour events. He finished off the season with a round of 16 showing at the Paris Masters and his ranking is up to No. 58.
Goffin is in good form so far this season. He went 3-1 in the ATP Cup, including a surprise straight-set win over Nadal. Expect the 11th seed to get through this opener in routine fashion.
Cheryl pick: Goffin in 3
Ricky pick: Goffin in 3
WWW?
Med in 4. Goffin in 4
Agree w/ both pix….🦘🎾