Sydney R1 previews and picks: Del Potro vs. Stakhovsky, Kyrgios vs. Janowicz

Juan Martin Del Potro’s comeback to tennis will take place on Tuesday, when the Argentine goes up against Sergiy Stakhovsky in Sydney. Nick Kyrgios and Jerzy Janowicz are also set for a blockbuster first-rounder.

(WC) Juan Martin Del Potro vs. Sergiy Stakhovsky

Del Potro’s much-anticipated comeback after a 10-month layoff will begin on Tuesday at the Apia International. The former world No. 4 triumphed at this event last year then played at the Australian Open and in Dubai (and in doubles at the Indian Wells Masters) before being sidelined due to left-wrist surgery. Del Potro had been scheduled to return last fall, but he delayed things due to recurring pain in the wrist and simply to take extra precaution.

Up first for Del Potro is Stakhovsky, whom the Argentine has never faced at the ATP level. They squared off once on the Challenger circuit–nine years ago in Aachen, where Del Potro prevailed 3-6, 7-6(2), 6-4. Stakhovsky for the most part has been lackluster at best since stunning Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2013, but consistent success in Challengers late last season has him well inside the top 100 at 69th in the world. This is a tough first matchup for Del Potro because the Ukrainian will force the issue at net and take timing away from an opponent who is without question rusty.

Pick: Stakhovsky in 2

[polldaddy poll=8577467]

[polldaddy poll=8574919]

Nick Kyrgios vs. Jerzy Janowicz

If not for Del Potro, Kyrgios vs. Janowicz would be the marquee first-round clash of the entire week in both Sydney and Auckland. At just 19 years old, Kyrgios is hoping to build on a breakout 2014 campaign that saw him topple Rafael Nadal en route to the Wimbledon quarterfinals and reach the third round of the U.S. Open. The 50th-ranked Australian was scheduled to play at last week’s Hopman Cup but he pulled out due to a back problem.

Janowicz got in plenty of match practice in Perth, where he helped Poland take home the title. The world No. 42’s singles results were mixed, with wins over Matthew Ebden and Benoit Paire plus losses to Andy Murray and John Isner. Janowicz is at least playing better now than he was during a horrific slump last spring, but it’s clear this is not the same world No. 14 who was on display at the 2012 Paris Masters and at Wimbledon in 2013.

Pick: Kyrgios in 3

[polldaddy poll=8577472]