![]() ![]() This is technically their first meeting, though they’ve previously split matches played in qualifying and at an ITF-level event. And Tamara has not defeated a top 20 player since her 2021 run in Paris. ![]() Zidansek was a shocking semifinalist two years ago at Roland Garros, but went only 14-19 at tour level last season, and lost her first two main draw matches this year. Ons advanced to the semifinals of a tournament in Adelaide to begin 2023. She was forced to withdraw from this event in 2022 due to a back injury. Jabeur took her career to a new level last season, achieving her first two Slam finals, and accumulating a record of 47-17. Ons Jabeur (2) – 7:00pm on Rod Laver Arena However, Matteo is still a slight favorite to gain his fourth straight victory over the three-time Major singles champion in what I expect to be another close battle. ![]() Both matches were closely-contested, and Andy is certainly eager to reassert himself as a true contender. That includes two matches from last year: the aforementioned four-set battle in New York, and the final of Stuttgart on grass. The Brit’s run to the fourth round of this tournament six years ago is the last time he reached the second week of a Major.īerrettini is 3-1 against Murray, and has won their last three meetings. Unfortunately for Andy, Tuesday is forecast to be the hottest day of the week in Melbourne, and this match is scheduled during the hottest part of the day. Murray was only 29-20 in 2022, and spoke openly regarding his body wearing down easily in warm conditions. Matteo started this season by helping Italy advance to the final of the inaugural United Cup, though he lost his last two matches at that event to Stefanos Tsitsipas and Taylor Fritz. He battled multiple injuries, and COVID prevented him from playing Wimbledon, where he was one of the favorites to win the title. Andy Murray – Third on Rod Laver Arenaīerrettini was a semifinalist here a year ago, but went just 32-13 on the year. While it’s dangerous to discount the chances of a former Australian Open runner-up, Rublev should be favored on this day. Thiem claimed their first two matches, back in 20, but Andrey has now taken the last four. Rublev leads their head-to-head 4-2, and 3-1 on hard courts. Rublev is now 0-6 in the quarters at Slams, most recently losing in straight sets to Frances Tiafoe in New York. However, the quarterfinal round at Majors remains his stumbling block. But he ended last season showing some signs of his previous form by reaching a Challenger final on clay, and an ATP semifinal on a hard court, where he lost to Rublev.Īndrey went 51-20 in 2022, with four titles, three of which were on hard courts. Between 20, Dominic won just 27 matches at tour level. He’s suffered from multiple injuries, most notably to his right wrist. Since winning his first Slam title at the 2020 US Open, Thiem has endured a challenging few years. This is a blockbuster first round encounter between two of the sport’s hardest hitters. Dominic Thiem (WC) – 11:00am on John Cain Arena But based on Muguruza’s recent form, as well as Mertens’ prior success in Melbourne, I like Elise’s chances to prevail on Tuesday.Īndrey Rublev (5) vs. Most recently, Garbine defeated Elise in the semifinals of the WTA 1000 event in Dubai. Muguruza is 2-0 against Mertens, with both matches taking place on hard courts. Mertens was a modest 27-22 last season at tour level in singles, but won a hard court title in October. Elise also won the women’s doubles title at this event in 2021. Mertens was a quarterfinalist five years ago in Melbourne, which started a streak of reaching the third round or better at 18 consecutive Majors, which was broken this past summer at the US Open. And she went 0-2 the past two weeks in Australia, including a loss to Bianca Andreescu despite being up a set and a break. Garbine suffered from injuries, as well as a severe loss of confidence, going just 12-17 last season. But 2022 was a rough year for the two-time Major champion. Muguruza was the runner-up three years ago in Melbourne, and won the third biggest title of her career at the 2021 WTA Finals. Elise Mertens (26) – 11:00am on Margaret Court Arena Tuesday’s play will begin at 11:00am local time. And Novak Djokovic will play his first match at the Australian Open since the infamous deportation debacle of 2022, but how healthy is Djokovic after suffering a hamstring injury a week ago in Adelaide?Įach day this preview will highlight the four most intriguing matchups, while outlining the other notable matches on the schedule. Plus Ons Jabeur, the runner-up at the last two Slams, plays a recent Major semifinalist. Tuesday’s action also sees two Slam champions, and two 2020 finalists in Australia, take on seeded opposition, as Garbine Muguruza faces Elise Mertens, and Dominic Thiem faces off against Andrey Rublev. ![]()
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