By Niall Clarke
- Novak Djokovic faces Quentin Halys
- Roger Federer meets Alexandr Dolgopolov
- Serena Williams faces Su-Wei Hsieh
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA- It is a packed day on Rod Laver arena as former champions Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams and Roger Federer aim to book a third round place.
Djokovic will be last on the main court at Melbourne park when he entertains France’s Quentin Halys. Serena proceeds Federer when she takes on Su-Wei Hsieh before the Swiss meets Alexandr Dolgopolov.
There are no British players on show, but there is still plenty of action to indulge in as we reach the second round of the Australian Open.
Undoubtedly the man to beat is world number one. The Australian Open is his most successful grand slam with four titles to his name, and he is the most dominant player in the world.
Yes, he is most certainly the favourite and the player to beat, but what if that player was Halys? Yes it is as unlikely as it sounds, but the beauty of sport is that anything can happen.
The 19 year old Frenchman might have a bright future ahead of him, but it is highly doubtful he scores an upset. It will be a great experience for him however to face Djokovic on a big court, and he can take a lot from his first grand slam win against Ivan Dodig.
The women’s world number one did not have everything her own way against Camila Giorgi, but she made it out of the first round relatively unscathed. Will Hsieh provide a tougher test?
The Chinese Taipei player is a former top 30 player and has an unusual game. Hsieh has made the fourth round here before but is currently ranked 90 in the world without a sign of moving up in the rankings.
It should be comfortable for Serena and she will keep the Williams name going in the tournament.
The most enticing match on Rod Laver will be the second round clash between Federer and Dolgopolov. The Ukrainian is inconsistent but has the weapons to trouble any player in the world- just ask Rafael Nadal.
His game is unusual but has a lot of variety and can generate winners from any position on the court, but there is nothing that Federer has not seen before.
The 34 year old is still going strong at number three in the world and only dropped four games in his opening round match. The Swiss is searching for his 18th grand slam title and fifth title in Melbourne.
Maria Sharapova opens proceedings on Rod Laver Arena against Aliaksandra Sasnovich, with the intriguing clash between Agnieszka Radwanska and Eugenie Bouchard completing the main court line up.
Kei Nishikori will kick things off on Margaret Court Arena against Austin Krajicek. Belinda Bencic, Carla Suarez Navarro and Jo Wilfried Tsonga are also scheduled to play on this court. Completing the line up on Margaret Court Arena is Australia’s Daria Gavrilova against Petra Kvitova would could provide yet another upset.
For the full schedule, check out the Britwatch tennis page-
The second round begins at 11AM local (0:00 GMT) Wednesday.
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