Australian Open 2019: Preview of the key matches from the men’s singles first round
Finally it’s arrived! The first round of the Men’s Singles at the 2019 Australian Open will begin soon.
As usual, the draw has thrown up some thrilling first round matches which you can prepare to enjoy by reading our in depth preview of the most exciting matches in the first round of the Australian Open 2019 men’s singles (you can also read the full draw lower down the page!):
Novak Djokovic (Serbia) vs Qualifier: Ok, so we don’t know exactly who the World No.1 and No.1 seed has to play yet but the fact that he’s drawn a qualifier means it going to be tough. All qualifiers have already played at least 3 tough matches when they reach the first round proper so they are always at the peak of their form. Novak will be favourite but it won’t be easy.
Jeremy Chardy (France) vs Ugo Humbert (France): A classic French battle between the grizzled journeyman Chardy and the young upstart Humbert. Humbert has been ripping it up on the Challenger circuit and will relish the chance to show the old man what he’s made of. But will Chardy be too experienced in the brutal conditions of 5 sets in the Melbourne heat?
Stan Wawrinka (Switzerland) vs Ernst Gulbis (Latvia): Tough! Gulbis is the ultimate enigma. His backhand can take apart any pro on tour if he’s on form but his forehand can be a weakness. Wawrinka is a notoriously slow starter especially at Grand Slams so if the first set goes to Gulbis he might win the match.
Nick Kyrgios (Australia) vs Milos Raonic (Canada): Huge! Two of the biggest servers the game has ever seen go head to head in Round 1. If Kyrgios is up for it (and that’s a huge if) then he could easily knock out the number 16 seed Raonic. But Raonic is the ultimate competitor and will not give up with out a fight (which is what Kyrgios could easily do).
Benoit Paire (France) vs Dominic Thiem (Austria): Another French enigma in Paire with a huge backhand and serve. But we don’t think he’s going to have the staying power to overcome the super fit Thiem in a hot, best of 5 sets match. But if Paire takes the first set this could get interesting!
Robert Bautista Agut (Spain) vs Sir Andy Murray (Great Britain): Our hearts were in our mouths when we saw this draw. Andy needs some help on his comeback trail and this draw wasn’t what he wanted. RBA is in great form and can run and run all day. Good luck Andy…
Dennis Istomin (Uzbekistan) vs Roger Federer (Switzerland): This is interesting as Istomin has form when it comes to knocking out big names at the Australian Open. In 2017 he beat Djokovic in the 2nd round when Djokovic was on a 15 match wining streak. Can Istomin do it again? Probably not but we’ll be watching closely.
Kyle Edmund (Great Britain) vs Thomas Berdych (Czech Republic): Berdych is one of the dangerous unseeded players that you don’t want to get drawn against, so last years Aussie Open men’s singles semi-finalist Edmund won’t be looking forward to this. It will be intriguing to see if the newly improved and confident Edmund can see off this grand old master of the game.
James Duckworth (Australia) vs Rafa Nadal (Spain): A great draw for Rafa who shouldn’t be troubled by this plucky Aussie wildcard.
Now view the full draw for the Men’s Singles first round at the 2019 Australian Open here:
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