The Australian Open round 1 continues on Monday with young gun Ben Shelton taking on veteran Roberto Bautista Agut and fan favorite Andy Murray battling Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
(16) Ben Shelton vs. Roberto Bautista Agut
Ben Shelton had decent preparation for the first Slam of the year. The American burst onto the tennis scene in 2023 with deep runs at both the Australian Open and the U.S. Open. He is defending quarterfinal points from last year. He had a quarterfinal showing last week at the tune-up event in Auckland (l. to Taro Daniel).
Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut has seen his ranking dip into the fifties in the past couple years, far from his career-high ranking of No. 9 back in 2019. But despite slowing down a bit, the Spaniard still managed to make his way to the quarters in Hong Kong in his Melbourne warm-up.
This will be the first meeting between Shelton and Bautista Agut. Though given each man’s recent form, Shelton should have the edge here. The young American has already proven his mettle in best of 5 on hard courts. While Bautista Agut may nab a set, expect this one to go to the American.
Cheryl pick – Shelton in 4
WWW: Shelton vs. Bautista Agut?
Andy Murray vs. (30) Tomas Martin Etcheverry
Scottish veteran Andy Murray will kick off his 16th Australian Open against the Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry. The No. 44 ranked Murray, who is undoubtedly in the twilight of his career, started his 2024 season in Brisbane, where he lost to eventual champion Grigor Dimitrov in three entertaining (and competitive) sets.
Etcheverry fared just as poorly in Brisbane as Murray did. The world No. 30 dropped his opener to the Czech player Tomas Machac. Etcheverry sits at a career high ranking right now, but nearly all of his points come from his performance during the clay season. He had a quarterfinal showing at Roland Garros last year.
The two men have met twice before, both in 2023. They split wins at 1 each, with Murray winning their meeting in Indian Wells and Etcheverry in Basel. There can be little doubt that Murray is the better hardcourter, but he also battles his own body, a consequence of being 36 years old – with a metal hip. The crowd will be firmly in Murray’s corner, and the Scot has traditionally played well down under. This one should go to Murray.
Cheryl pick – Murray in 4
WWW: Murray vs. Etcheverry?
The post Australian Open R1 previews and predictions: Shelton vs. Bautista Agut, Murray vs. Etcheverry appeared first on The Grandstand.