After the ATP Cup, the Australian Open continues in Melbourne. Completely satisfied Slam is not going to begin till February eighth of this yr resulting from particular quarantine laws. Forward of the primary Grand Slam, Sky Sport checks favorites.
On the Australian Open in Melbourne, 4 German ladies and 5 males begin. Whereas Angelique Kerber and Alexander Zverev have so much within the first spherical, Laura Siegmund has to face Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam winner.
The sky Commentators Stefan Hempel, Marcel Minnert and Paul Hoser give a short examination of this yr’s first Grand Slam match as common.
Most popular Alternative Males:
Marcel Minert: “Novak Djokovic is once more the participant who received in Australia this yr and absolutely the favourite. However the competitors may be very shut. That is very true of the Russian ATP Cup champion Daniel Medvedev and Andrei Rublev or additionally Alexander Zverev. There’s a massive query mark about Raphael’s health.” Nadal. Dominic Thiem nonetheless has to search out his greatest type after the blended ATP Cup. “
Alexander Zverev – the established order:
Stefan Hempel: “Alexander Zverev has put himself firmly into the ATP Cup. The stadiums in Melbourne, which have been significantly quick this yr, go well with him very nicely together with his sturdy serve. However the second serve continues to be worrying. The secure different to the short-time kick continues to be to be missed.” Right here the ATP Cup made Zverev towards Djokovic and Medvedev each 5: 5 within the third set the decisive duo scored in Brickball and thus misplaced matches. Such errors make the distinction within the international elite. However Zverev can cool down extra and play the struggling full again with, then he can Count on to do lots of “Down Underneath.” The fundamental construction continues to be spectacular. A draw means good for him – even the potential quarter-final towards Djokovic. “
Alternatives for different Germans:
Paul Houses: “For Jean-Lennard Struve this time, there’s a lot within the first spherical with substitute Christopher O’Connell. However within the second spherical,“ Too Exhausting ”Roberto Bautista Agut. Struff carried out admirably within the ATP Cup. Confidence additionally elevated after victories towards Milos Raonic and Douzan Lyoviش: Perhaps “Strovi” may shock him towards the highly effective Spaniard, “RBA”.
Cedric Marcel Stipe slipped into the principle draw as a fortunate loser, however beforehand needed to spend two weeks in a resort room in a troublesome quarantine. Towards younger star Felix Auger-Elyasime, he’s now a blatant outsider.
Similar to Yannick Hanfman in a duel towards Andrey Rublev. Hanfman faces one of many hottest gamers of the hour and the key favourite to win the title.
With Dominic Kupfer, I’m actually trying ahead to his potential second-round match towards Dominic Theam. To do that, the “bull” should first take Bolivian Hugo Delaine out of the way in which. “
Darkish Horses – Should Watch Gamers:
Stefan Hempel: Nick Kergius – The Punisher is again.
Paul Houses: “After successful the second championship in a row, Jannik Sinner is a highly regarded candidate for me to essentially combine the sphere. The massive downside: Within the first spherical, he met Denis Shapovalov, quantity 12 on this planet and a really harmful candidate for the Grand Slam throwing large.”
Marcel Minert: “After his second ATP title, Yannick Sener desires to maintain making a giant splash at Grand Slam degree – his match towards Denis Shapovalov is probably the spotlight of Spherical One. Additionally thrilling: How harmful is Nick Kyrgios after a hiatus of a couple of yr Or does Alex de Minor paint in entrance of the house viewers once more?
Favourite Alternative for Girls:
Paul Houses: “I see Naomi Osaka within the entrance. Behind them come many thrilling hunters like Ashley Barty, Sophia Kenin, Simona Halep, Garbin Muguruza, Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka and even French Open winner Ija Swiatik. This time, there’s much more that may very well be Carried out within the Girls’s Championship because of the lengthy break and harsh quarantine circumstances, the sphere is probably going slightly extra open than it really is. ”
Angelique Kerber – Standing Quo:
Marcel Minert: “After two weeks of merciless quarantine, the 2016 Australian Open winner set out with out excessive expectations or stress. In any case: the Keel lady made a sleek impression on the costume rehearsal and will – if she performed freely – be good for a shock. Within the third spherical on the newest, There will likely be a really massive impediment with the extraordinarily sturdy Spaniard Garbin Muguruza. Given all these troublesome circumstances, the transfer to the second week will likely be a fantastic success. “
Alternatives for different Germans:
Paul Houses: “Laura Siegmund has been hit by a hammer. Towards Serena Williams, Swabian can solely win. Together with her tactically sensible sport, she positively has an opportunity to spoil Williams’ highly effective sport. Nonetheless, this match stays on Mount Everest.”
Andrea Petkovic has additionally been assigned a difficult and thrilling project with Anas Jaber. I anticipate an incredible duel right here. Maybe Petco could have one other good shock in his final Australian Open. “
Darkish Horses – Should Watch Gamers:
Marcel Minert: “The ladies’s discipline may be very degree as soon as once more. Elise Mertens from Belgium could have what it takes to interrupt the massive gamers’ squad. Ekaterina Alexandrova may really feel actually uncomfortable with Ashley Barty early within the match. I’m additionally interested in Andreescu’s return to Bianca. – Can she compete with him?” The very best on this planet once more? Everybody also needs to have a look at Francesca Jones. British ladies have a genetic defect, have solely three toes in every hand and solely seven toes. Nonetheless, they’re now on the principle sq. for his or her first Grand Slam match.
Paul Houses: “I anticipate sturdy performances from Ekaterina Alexandrova, Annette Contavit and Maria Scary.”
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