2024 Australian Open Thread.

Novax required??

I like Alex de Minaur to contend and maybe make it all the way to the final

Kind of disappointed that Djokovic's little buddy Medjedovic got knocked out of the qualifying draw. Bad luck of the draw facing another one of the top Next Gen players in Shelbayh.

Just going to word vomit some thoughts...

Tsitsipas with a gift of a draw in his 1/4. Especially if Djokovic is injured. (I'm sure Djokovic is back near 100% by now from his wrist injury a couple of weeks ago.)

Bottom half of the draw looks brutal. Hurkacz, Dimitrov, Zverev, Medvedev, and Alcaraz. Rune and Ruud are worth mentioning too, but I don't think they're a threat to win. Then you also have a player like Bublik who is a tough out when he's on a hot streak. Though I think Bublik is wearing himself out playing the Adelaide 250 tournament.

Djokovic has a great draw until he faces Sinner until the semis (assuming Sinner makes it there). I still think Novak hoists his 25th GS trophy in two weeks.

I’m hoping Sinner can break through this year and win a major. I’d also like to see Seb Korda have a big year. Quarterfinalist in last years Aussie Open before hurting his wrist and has struggled since

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Looking forward to Djoker/Shelton in the 4th

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Ready to watch Djokovic hang up the phone on him again?

But yeah, should be a solid match. Worth remembering that Shelton injured himself playing mixed doubles before that match at the US Open.

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Looking forward to Djoker/Shelton in the 4th

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That's assuming Shelton makes it there. Tricky draw for him as his first few round opponents have styles that could trouble him. First up is a veteran counter-puncher in RBA. Then a potential 3rd round against Mannarino who has a very unique game that can trouble young players.

Mannarino is a flat ball hitting, low tension, limp wrist lefty.

Youth should work to Shelton's benefit here as Bautista Agut (35) and Mannarino (35) might break down over 5 sets.

Last point on Shelton. He's still playing in Auckland (ATP 250). It's definitely in his best interest to lose the semifinal to Taro Daniel tonight and hop on the next flight out of New Zealand. He has a ton of points to defend in the Australian Open.

American men got fricked in that draw.

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American men got fricked in that draw.

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Not great, not terrible in my opinion. The biggest issue is that most of the top Americans have a hard roadblock before the SFs.

Fritz should breeze into the 4th round until he plays Tsitsipas. We rag on Shitshispants and his sloppy 1H backhand but he has a very successful history at the Australian Open. Then the QF vs Djokovic. Safe to say that Fritz isn't making the semis without some help.

Tommy Paul will have a big advantage fitness-wise over his first few opponents. In R2 the 22 year old Draper has one career 4 set win (1-4, win vs Mmoh) and has never played a 5th set. Then Paul should be a decent favorite vs Kecmanovic/Struff. But then the hard roadblock of Alcaraz in R4. Paul can beat a healthy Alcaraz in a best-of-3, but that's not happening over 5 sets.

Korda has the best draw but I'm not buying that he can make a run. Tiafoe has the next easiest, especially since I don't think Khachanov is playing at his best. But question then is can he outbash Sinner? Going to need some extended matches for Sinner.

If only Michelsen had another year or two of tour level experience. Hope he can make it far enough to play Zverev, which should be a good match for him. Based on build, height, and length, I think Michelsen would do well to try and mimic Zverev's game. Though not sure if he's athletic enough to pull that off.

eta: Also for any who don't really follow tennis year round. The best place to find live scores, schedule, and stats is https://www.flashscore.com/tennis/ and all matches are streamed through ESPN+.

Would not be shocked to see Shelton lose round one. Bautista Agut isn’t in top form but he’s a solid player and Shelton has serious points to defend. Pressure mixed with nerves and a steady opponent do not sound like a recipe for victory.