It’s the first Tuesday of the Australian Open and there are 40 first-round matches to on the schedule. Unsurprisingly, it can be difficult to know where to look. We’re here to make things simple. Here’s four matches from the 40 that to keep an especially close eye on.
Four Matches to Watch at the Australian Open
Dan Evans vs Lorenzo Sonego
It may go under your radar as a match between two unseeded players but don’t be fooled–this could easily be the match of the day.
At a slightly smaller stature than most, Dan Evans variety and competitive fire make him one of the most watchable players in the top 100. Lorenzo Sonego will match his energy and shotmaking ability making this an extremely enticing first round match.
The match is due to start not before 3.30pm Melbourne time on Court 3.
Iga Swiatek vs Sofia Kenin
Many are expecting this match to be smooth sailing for Iga Swiatek. She’s on a 16-match winning streak on hard courts after all.
Whilst Sofia Kenin’s results have been up and down, however, she’s generally made a habit of bringing her best against the best in the world. She went 5-7 against top 20 players last year, rarely losing emphatically in those seven losses. The world #1 will likely still win but we’re expecting her to be forced to raise her level early doors at this year’s Australian Open.
Check out the match between the four-time Slam champion and the former champion at 12pm Melbourne time on Rod Laver Arena.
Sebastian Ofner vs Thanasi Kokkinakis
A seemingly innocuous match between two unseeded players holds plenty of promise.
Thanasi Kokkinakis has been in his fair share of thrillers at the Australian Open with three of his encounters going over the four-hour mark. He’s an explosive player that can light up for periods of any given match. On the other side of the net, Sebastian Ofner continues to grow in promise. Currently at a career-high of #37 in the world, the Austrian is playing phenomenally well and will likely deliver a high quality match.
With Kokkinakis backed by the crowd, this one should be a lot of fun. Watch the match not before 4pm Melbourne time on John Cain Arena.
Angelique Kerber vs Danielle Collins
Finally, in perhaps the most mouthwatering match-up of the day, former champ Angelique Kerber is set to play former finalist Danielle Collins.
Though Kerber is still making her comeback, she generally brings her best tennis to the majors. She’s featured in many of the highest level Slam matches of the last ten years and this could be no different. Collins is in a similar to position to Kerber in terms of momentum but we have a feeling she’ll bring her biggest and best for this match.
This one should be a thrilling encounter. Be sure not to miss it–it’s not before 1pm Melbourne time on Show Court 2.
Main photo credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
