Roger Federer, who could be in line for a rough road through the Australian Open draw, will kick off his fortnight on Tuesday. Up first for the world No. 2 is Benoit Paire.
Is this how you want to be warming up for a match with Roger Federer? Well, if you’re Benoit Paire…yes, it is.
Roger Federer and Benoit Paire will be going head-to-head for the second time in their careers when they collide in round one of the Australian Open on Tuesday. Their only previous encounter came a few months ago in Basel, where Federer dominated a quarterfinal clash 6-2, 6-2.
The world No. 2’s form is somewhat of an unknown heading into Melbourne. He did not win any of his last four tournaments in 2012 and he has not played a match this season. As for Federer’s past history at this event, the Swiss owns a 63-9 career record with four titles.
Paire is one of the most talented unseeded players in the draw, but certainly not one of the most consistent. More of that has already been on display this year. He reached the Chennai semifinals then–due to both fatigue and disinterest–lost his Auckland opener to Yen-Hsun Lu. The 46th-ranked Frenchman is 1-2 lifetime at the Australian Open after losing in the 2012 first round to Stanislas Wawrinka.
More “preparation”:
Paire took to Twitter after the draw was revealed, writing: “Premier tour Open d’Australie PAIRE FEDERER on peut pas parler d’un très bon tirage!!!” (Translation: Australian Open first round Paire Federer you cannot talk of a good draw!!!).
It may not be good draw for the underdog’s chances in this tournament, but it will give him a grand stage on which to showcase his personality and electric shot-making. Paire will lose the match in straight sets, but he will achieve bigtime name recognition in the process.
Pick: Federer 6-1, 6-3, 7-5
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