The Australian Open first spherical continues on Monday, with younger gun Ben Shelton taking over veteran Roberto Bautista Agut and fan favourite Andy Murray battling Tomas Martin Etcheverry. Shelton and Etcheverry are seeded.
(16) Ben Shelton vs. Roberto Bautista Agut
Ben Shelton had respectable preparation for the primary Grand Slam of the 12 months. The American, who’s defending quarterfinal factors from final 12 months, burst onto the tennis scene in 2023 with deep runs at each the Australian Open and the U.S. Open (semis). He posted a semifinal displaying final week on the tune-up occasion in Auckland (misplaced to Taro Daniel).
Roberto Bautista Agut has seen his rating dip into the 50s prior to now couple years, removed from his career-high rating of No. 9 again in 2019. However regardless of slowing down a bit, the Spaniard nonetheless managed to make his technique to the quarters in Hong Kong in his Melbourne warmup earlier than shedding immediately in Auckland to Roberto Carballes Baena.
This would be the first assembly between Shelton and Bautista Agut. Given every man’s latest type, Shelton ought to have the sting on Monday. The 21-year-old has already confirmed his mettle in best-of-five on arduous courts. Whereas Bautista Agut could nab a set, count on this one to go to the favourite.
Cheryl decide: Shelton in 4
Ricky decide: Shelton in 4
Andy Murray vs. (30) Tomas Martin Etcheverry
Scottish veteran Andy Murray will kick off his sixteenth Australian Open in opposition to the Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry. The Forty fourth-ranked Murray, who’s undoubtedly within the twilight of his profession, began his 2024 season in Brisbane–the place he misplaced to eventual champion Grigor Dimitrov in three entertaining (and aggressive) units.
Etcheverry fared simply as poorly in Brisbane as Murray did. The world No. 30 dropped his opener to Czech Tomas Machac. Etcheverry sits at a career-high rating proper now, however practically all of his factors come from his efficiency in the course of the clay season. He had a quarterfinal displaying at Roland Garros final 12 months.
The 2 males have met twice earlier than, each in 2023. They cut up wins at one every, with Murray successful their assembly in Indian Wells and Etcheverry in Basel. There might be little doubt that Murray is the higher hard-courter, however he additionally battles his personal physique–a consequence of being 36 years previous with a steel hip. The gang shall be firmly in Murray’s nook, and the Scot has historically performed properly Down Below. This one ought to go to Murray.
Cheryl decide: Murray in 4
Ricky decide: Murray in 5