The Australian Open draw for 2023 is dwell, and there are a number of eye-catching first-round matches, notably defending champion Rafael Nadal dealing with off towards the fast-improving Jack Draper.
In addition to matchups, questions encompass Djokovic’s hamstring niggle, which wanted strapping in Adelaide and curtailed his observe in Melbourne.
The Serb is trying to transfer clear on the Grand Slam leaderboard (21) however must struggle off a number of in-form gamers ought to he land a ninth Australian Open crown.
It’s additionally the primary Grand Slam that Roger Federer will watch as totally retired. The Swiss was invited by Tennis Australia to attend the match however declined, so he might be viewing from Switzerland (or Dubai), assuming he can get pleasure from it purely as a spectator.
Attention-grabbing First-Spherical Matches
- Rafael Nadal vs Jack Draper
- Andrey Rublev vs Dominic Thiem
- Matteo Berrettini vs Andy Murray
- Marcos Giron vs Daniil Medvedev
- Grigor Dimitrov vs Aslan Karatsev
Printable PDF Attracts
Projected Quarter Finals
- (1) Rafael Nadal vs (7) Daniil Medvedev
- (3) Stefanos Tsitsipas vs (6) Felix Auger-Aliassime
- (5) Andrey Rublev vs (4) Novak Djokovic
- (8) Taylor Fritz vs (2) Casper Ruud
Ideas on the Draw
This yr’s draw is loaded with thrilling matches, and I can see a number of potential upsets within the earlier rounds.
No less than within the English-speaking media, the large speaking level is Nadal dealing with off towards Briton Jack Draper.
Nadal didn’t get off to the very best begin on the United Cup, dropping to Cam Norrie and Alex De Minaur, who’re historically pillow punchers he’d manhandle when in good type, so there are a number of query marks to his total health.
Draper, alternatively, is on a large upward trajectory, and to most informal followers, he’s come out of nowhere to breach the Prime 50.
Nonetheless, Nadal’s file towards fellow lefties in Grand Slams is imperious, so I’d nonetheless make him round a 70% favorite to progress.
Nonetheless, it doesn’t get simpler for him with Medvedev in his quarter, and I feel it’s unlikely he’ll have the ability to defend a Grand Slam off clay for the primary time.
Medvedev doesn’t have essentially the most easy draw both, although, and Marcos Giron, in his opener, will provide some respectable resistance, and I wouldn’t be stunned to see him take a set from the Russian.
My Projected Semi-Finalist: Medvedev
Within the different quarter of the highest half, Tsitsipas is the highest seed, and he’s my decide to come back by means of.
Sinner, Auger-Aliassime and Coric are on this part, however I feel the Greek has essentially the most expertise and a good observe file in Melbourne.
I’d additionally wish to see Wawrinka roll again the years and construct some momentum, however Alex Molcan is just not a simple first spherical for him.
My Projected Semi-Finalist: Tsitsipas
The opposite massive story is that Djokovic is again in Melbourne after final yr’s embarrassment from authoritarians supposedly appearing within the curiosity of public well being (somebody ought to ask them concerning the extra mortality figures this yr, as abruptly they don’t appear to care).
Novak heads in because the overwhelming favorite for the title, however he was pressured to chop brief a observe session earlier this week on account of a decent hamstring.
This was precautionary, in fact, however he’ll be trying to get by means of his opening few matches with out exerting an excessive amount of vitality.
In Novak’s quarter sit Holger Rune, Nick Kyrgios and Andrey Rublev. Rublev is the very best seed, however there are a number of harmful gamers on this part, together with Karatsev, who I’d decide to beat Dimitrov, and Dan Evans, who can play effectively Down Below.
My Projected Semi-Finalist: Djokovic
Casper Ruud is the second seed for the underside quarter, and he might be trying to higher his fourth-round efficiency from 2021.
That is arguably the weakest part of the draw, so he has a sensible probability, however I feel Taylor Fritz is the extra harmful participant, and it’s about time the American carried out on the Grand Slam degree.
Alexander Zverev can also be on this quarter, enjoying his first Grand Slam since rolling his ankle ultimately yr’s Roland Garros. Can he hit high type? If that’s the case, he’s harmful, but it surely might be too early, given he’s solely simply again to full depth.
My Projected Semi-Finalist: Fritz
What do you guys consider the Australian Open 2023 draw? Let me know within the feedback.
