The first day of the Australian Open starts with some big matches. Among them are Rafael Nadal, Kevin Anderson, Philipp Kohlschreiber, Julia Görges and many more.
Finally! The first Grand Slam of the year kicks off and the first felt balls are chased over the hot hard court in Melbourne. On the very first day, the spectators are served some delicacies.
Top seed and world number one Rafael Nadal is honoured and will take his first position against Victor Estrella Burgos. Particular attention will be paid to the physical condition of the last year’s finalists. Does the knee hold – or does it not? We’ll see it on Monday!
From a German point of view, there is also a lot to be done on the opening day. Philipp Kohlschreiber will play against Yoshihito Nishioka Down Under and take the fight for the next round. The other German representatives are waiting.
Austrian fans, on the other hand, need good nerves. No less than two red-white representatives strike. Andreas Haider-Maurer starts with the Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov. On paper a difficult task for Haider-Maurer, but there is always a surprise against the “eternal talent”.
Gerald Melzer will also be present. Melzer meets Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili.
Local hero and great Australian hope Nick Kyrgios will make a special appearance. Against Rogerio Dutra Silva the “enfant terrible” starts into the tournament and has good prospects for round two.
In addition, the duel between Kyle Edmund and US open finalist Kevin Anderson will be highly exciting. The first round could be a stumbling block for the other favourites in the larger circle, as the young Briton Edmund is in top form. But Anderson is in no way inferior to this and will also arrive with great ambitions. An open exchange of blows is inevitable!
On the ladies’ side, too, things are going really well. Germany’s number one Julia Görges starts against 19-year-old American Sofia Kenin. However, Görges’ run of 14 consecutive matches won should not find an end. The Bad Oldesloerin travels with a good portion of self-confidence and title ambitions to the “Happyslam”. For Mona Barthel, the start on Monday is a major problem. The German has to take on the Romanian Monica Niculescu and faces a tough game.
Title-favorite Caroline Wozniacki also starts on the first day and with Mihaela Buzarnescu she has an allegedly easy draw at the beginning.
Belinda Bencic and Venus Williams will provide the first big eye-catcher. At the Hopman Cup at Federer’s side, the re-read Bencic was bursting with self-confidence and seems to be perfectly fit. The smash match against Williams will be the first major hurdle – a tough one for both sides.