By Tony Fairbairn
- Andrey Rublev [5] v Dominic Thiem [WC]
- Elise Mertens [26] v Garbine Muguruza
- Thanasi Kokkinakis v Fabio Fognini
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Dominic Thiem will look to rediscover the form that took him to the final a few years ago as he takes on fifth seed Andrey Rublev on day two of the Australian Open.
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Andrey Rublev [5] v Dominic Thiem [WC] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Andrey Rublev [5] v Dominic Thiem [WC] | H2H: Rublev leads 4-2 |
| Australian Open 2023 | Melbourne, Australia |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $106,250 |
| First on John Cain Arena (00:00 GMT) | Discovery+ Add-on via Amazon Prime Sign up for 30 day free trial of Prime Video and a 7 day free trial of Discovery+ Player |
Andrey Rublev will be hoping to improve in the big tournaments this season having yet to have his breakthrough at the Grand Slams. Rublev’s inconsistent form at the Nitto ATP Finals was a clear example as to where the problem lies for the Russian at the Grand Slams. When Rublev’s on form then he is unstoppable however when he is not in control of his emotions or his aggressive style of play then he can lose to anyone. The question is which version of Rublev will we get at the Australian Open?
That question will be answered in some form as the fifth seed will face 2020 finalist Dominic Thiem. The Austrian’s comeback from wrist injury has produced mixed results but it feels the former US Open champion is starting to build some momentum after a positive end to last season. Now on the verge of the top 100, Thiem will look to rediscover his form at the Grand Slams and look to prove why on his day he can beat just about anyone.
One thing Thiem will definitely have to do in this match is start well otherwise he could be in trouble. The Austrian will need to try and control the rallies on his terms and dictate the tempo of the match otherwise it could be a very long afternoon. Rublev’s erratic tennis at times will give the Austrian opportunities but ultimately the Russian’s high level of power should be enough against Thiem’s weakened defensive play.
Prediction: Rublev in four sets.
Elise Mertens [26] v Garbine Muguruza H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Elise Mertens [26] v Garbine Muguruza | H2H: Muguruza leads 2-0 |
| Australian Open 2023 | Melbourne, Australia |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $106,250 |
| First on Margaret Court Arena (00:00 GMT) | Discovery+ Add-on via Amazon Prime Sign up for 30 day free trial of Prime Video and a 7 day free trial of Discovery+ Player |
Elise Mertens loves the big matches and the big occasions with the Belgian continuing to be reliable in the big tournaments. Mertens’ accurate serving mixed with adaptive groundstrokes and a clean net game means there is no real weakness and can grind out the big-hitting players. Now Mertens will look to show a little more belief and make a deep Grand Slam run in Melbourne.
First up for Mertens is a tricky task in the form of two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza who is looking to rediscover her Grand Slam winning form. After winning the WTA Finals a couple of years ago, many had thought Muguruza would push on and threaten to win a Grand Slam. However that has been far from the case as recent struggles have seen Muguruza move outside the world’s top 70. Having lost both matches so far this season, Muguruza will now aim to kickstart her career in Melbourne and prove that she is a big match player.
Mertens will look to be solid and consistent from the baseline against an out of sorts Muguruza who is struggling for confidence at the moment. Muguruza will need to serve well and maintain a high level of play if she wants to have any chance of winning this match. This is a must-see match and a must win match for Muguruza but the 26th seed should be too strong and too consistent for an erratic Spaniard.
Prediction: Mertens in three sets.
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Thanasi Kokkinakis v Fabio Fognini H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Thanasi Kokkinakis v Fabio Fognini | H2H: Kokkinakis leads 2-0 |
| Australian Open 2023 | Melbourne, Australia |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $106,250 |
| Third on KIA Arena (04:00 GMT) | Discovery+ Add-on via Amazon Prime Sign up for 30 day free trial of Prime Video and a 7 day free trial of Discovery+ Player |
Thanasi Kokkinakis loves playing in Australia and that has continued this season with the Australian defeating Andrey Rublev in Adelaide last week. After winning the doubles title with Nick Kyrgios last year, Kokkinakis has continued to believe in his game and most importantly has remained healthy over the last year. Kokkinakis has a big serve and a big game to trouble any opponent on his day and will look for a big Australian Open run.
First up for Kokkinakis is the eccentric Fabio Fognini who continues to bring his highly emotional tennis to the tour. The Italian is approaching the final years of his career with Fognini appearing more on the doubles court than the singles court. However the Italian’s unique style of play continues to baffle opponents and on his day Fognini can be a handful for any player as he looks for one last deep Grand Slam run before retirement.
This will be a typical Davis Cup atmosphere with the hero taking on the villain in a match that is guaranteed to have power, finesse and passion. In the end this match will be decided on who can control their tennis better in the long run and Kokkinakis seems more reliable on current form to do that. Whatever happens drama and entertainment is guaranteed in what could be a bizarre contest.
Prediction: Kokkinakis in five sets.
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