1. Andy Murray-Ryan Harrison, 3rd match Hisense Arena
Andy Murray’s quest to become the first British man to win a Grand Slam since 1936 continues this week in Melbourne, with a new wrinkle and some high expectations. The three-time Grand Slam finalist has added eight-time Grand Slam winner Ivan Lendl to his coaching box, and the hope is that the union will provide Murray with the impetus to take the next step. Meanwhile, brash young American Ryan Harrison, will be doing everything he can to spoil Murray’s party when they meet today. But it won’t be easy for the Shreveport, La. native. Harrison, one of three remaining teenagers in the draw, has lost all nine of his previous matches against top ten competition.
2. Maria Sharapova – Gisela Dulko, 2nd match, Hisense Arena
The thing we’re all dying to know: how will Sharapova’s ankle hold up? The former Australian Open champion (2008) is making her first appearance since withdrawing from the WTA Championships in October due to a gruesome ankle sprain suffered in Tokyo the previous week. To make matters worse, she’s facing a pesky opponent who upset her in a tight three-setter the last time they met at Wimbledon. But Dulko, who has pulled her share of Grand Slam upsets, is coming off an injury-marred second half of 2011 as well. Sharapova is one of five players in the draw with multiple Grand Slam titles to her name, while Dulko has never been past the fourth round. Still, this one has the potential to be an upset special.
3. Radek Stepanek vs. Nicolas Mahut, 3rd match, Court 8
Fans that make the effort to trek out to Court 8 could be in for a doozy, as these two wildly entertaining serve-and-volleyers will surely tangle in some of the most highlight-worthy points of the day. Stepanek, 33, is a quirky old-school baller, who hits flat, loves to rush the net, and plays with a style reminiscent of a bygone era. Mahut, a fan favorite ever since his marathon tussle with John Isner at Wimbledon, also plays a beautifully-crafted brand of attacking tennis. It’s a crying shame this match hasn’t been scheduled for a showcourt.
The best of the rest:
Serena Williams vs. Tamira Paszek, 2nd match night session, Rod Laver Arena
The question: How is Serena’s ankle?
Andy Roddick vs. Robin Haase, 4th match, Hisense Arena
The question: Will Roddick’s fauxhawk help his backhand?
Samantha Stosur vs. Sorana Cirstea, 3rd match, Rod Laver Arena
The question: The last two women to win Grand Slams (Li and Kvitova) were unceremoniously bounced from the first round of their very next Slam. Can Stosur overcome the jinx?