Australian Open R1 previews and predictions: Shelton vs. Bautista Agut, Murray vs. Etcheverry

The Australian Open first round continues on Monday, with young gun Ben Shelton taking on veteran Roberto Bautista Agut and fan favorite Andy Murray battling Tomas Martin Etcheverry. Shelton and Etcheverry are seeded.

(16) Ben Shelton vs. Roberto Bautista Agut

Ben Shelton had decent preparation for the first Grand Slam of the year. The American, who is defending quarterfinal points from last year, burst onto the tennis scene in 2023 with deep runs at both the Australian Open and the U.S. Open (semis). He posted a semifinal showing last week at the tune-up event in Auckland (lost to Taro Daniel).

Roberto Bautista Agut has seen his ranking dip into the 50s in the past couple years, far from his career-high ranking of No. 9 back in 2019. But despite slowing down a bit, the Spaniard still managed to make his way to the quarters in Hong Kong in his Melbourne warmup before losing right away in Auckland to Roberto Carballes Baena.

This will be the first meeting between Shelton and Bautista Agut. Given each man’s recent form, Shelton should have the edge on Monday. The 21-year-old has already proven his mettle in best-of-five on hard courts. While Bautista Agut may nab a set, expect this one to go to the favorite.

Cheryl pick: Shelton in 4

Ricky pick: Shelton in 4

Andy Murray vs. (30) Tomas Martin Etcheverry

Scottish veteran Andy Murray will kick off his 16th Australian Open against the Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry. The 44th-ranked Murray, who is undoubtedly in the twilight of his career, started his 2024 season in Brisbane–where he lost to eventual champion Grigor Dimitrov in three entertaining (and competitive) sets.

Etcheverry fared just as poorly in Brisbane as Murray did. The world No. 30 dropped his opener to Czech Tomas Machac. Etcheverry sits at a career-high ranking right now, but nearly all of his points come from his performance during the clay season. He had a quarterfinal showing at Roland Garros last year.

The two men have met twice before, both in 2023. They split wins at one each, with Murray winning their meeting in Indian Wells and Etcheverry in Basel. There can be little doubt that Murray is the better hard-courter, but he also battles his own body–a consequence of being 36 years old with a metal hip. The crowd will be firmly in Murray’s corner, and the Scot has traditionally played well Down Under. This one should go to Murray.

Cheryl pick: Murray in 4

Ricky pick: Murray in 5