By Erik Gudris | Monday, January 19, 2015
Novak Djokovic starts out his Australian Open campaign while a must-see women's match highlights action on day two.
Photo Credit: Corleve
Each day we'll preview and predict results for four must-see Melbourne matches. Day 2 previews are here.
(1) Novak Djokovic vs. Aljaz Bedene
Rod Laver Arena (third match)
Head-to-head: First meeting
Top seed and World No. 1 Djokovic starts his quest to become only the second man in history to win five or more Australian Open titles. He's still a big favorite to do that despite a shaky early loss in Doha and getting over a bout with the flu.
Bedene, a qualifier, may actually pose a tougher first round test for Djokovic than some might think. He recently reached the Chennai final and proved a solid competitor in several tight matches. Still, the Slovenian is in search of his first ever Grand Slam win.
If Djokovic starts out this match shaky, then the first set could be close. But expect Djokovic to work himself in form to close out a three sets win.
The Pick: Djokovic in three sets
Victoria Azarenka vs. Sloane Stephens
Hisense Arena (first match)
Head-to-head: Azarenka leads 2-0
For the third year in a row, former No. 1 Azarenka will face off against the American hope Stephens in Melbourne. Just two years ago, Azarenka won a controversial semifinal against Stephens en route to winning the title. This year, both women for various reasons find themselves outside the top 32 rankings hence why this first round must-see match came to pass.
Azarenka, troubled with a foot injury for most of last season, is trying to return to the form that saw her win two Australian Open titles. Stephens, despite all of her talents, continues earning criticism for a perceived lack of effort in some of her matches. Both enter this seeking to build some much needed momentum for this season.
While this could go three sets with both women alternating between great and not-so great play, Azarenka's experience may well give her the deciding edge.
The Pick: Azarenka in three sets
(8) Caroline Wozniacki vs. Taylor Townsend
Margaret Court Arena (second match)
Head-to-head: Wozniacki leads 1-0
An intriguing first rounder given that both just played each other a few weeks ago in Auckland. In that match, Townsend led Wozniacki in the second set before the Dane rallied to win in straights. Despite the loss, Townsend proved she had what it takes to possibly beat the recent US Open finalist.
Townsend will aim to use her all-court game to her advantage. Wozniacki, who loves a target up at net, will employ her trademark defense and new fitness to keep Townsend running all afternoon. Wozniacki pulled out of Sydney with a sore wrist, so that might be a factor. If Townsend finds herself with a lead this time, will she be able to pull off the upset?
The Pick: Wozniacki in three sets
Vasek Pospisil v. Sam Querrey
Court 6 (fourth match)
Head-to-head: Querrey leads 1-0
Both Vasek Pospisil of Canada and Sam Querrey of the U.S. know what it's like to play under the shadow of their respective countries better known stars. Querrey, a former top 20 player, is starting to show better form after several so-so years. Pospisil, who looked on the verge of breaking into the top 20 himself, had a up and down 2014 that also saw him battle a few injuries.
Pospisil, with a potent serve and stellar movement, is a better player than the American. Still, Querrey's patented serve/forehand combination and his experience just might be enough. Querrey remains one of those players you are never quite sure what you are going to get out of him. If both men bring their best, this could go the distance.
The Pick: Querrey in four sets