1. Bernard Tomic vs. Sam Querrey, 1st night match, Rod Laver Arena
Tomic is Australia’s can’t miss kid, and he’s already turned in the most memorable match of the tournament on the men’s side. What can the cool-as-a-cucumber Aussie do for an encore? Querrey’s comeback from elbow surgery, meanwhile, appears to be on track. Much like Tomic’s first match with hard-hitting Fernando Verdasco, this should be a compelling study in contrast: Querrey’s massive serve and forehand vs. Tomic’s ability to absorb and redirect power and take away his opponent’s rhythm and timing.
2. Christina McHale vs. Marina Erakovic, 2nd match, Court 6
American tennis fans will want to turn their eyes towards Court 6, where up-and-coming 19-year-old Christina McHale will attempt to reach the last 32 for the second consecutive Grand Slam. McHale will face a beatable opponent in the No. 62-ranked Marina Erakovic of New Zealand.
3. Stan Wawrinka vs. Marcos Baghdatis, night match, Margaret Court Arena
Former Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis will no doubt benefit from his symbiotic relationship with the Aussie crowds against a very formidable second round opponent in Stan Wawrinka. Baghdatis, who has family down under, and feasts on his grandmothers home cooking any chance he gets, has made the 3rd round in six of his last seven appearances in Melbourne. His loyal legion of supporters will no doubt be screaming at the top of their lungs in the hopes of making it seven of eight. Wawrinka, currently ranked No. 22, was a quarterfinalist in Melbourne last year, and even though he’s typically subdued on court, he seems to relish a dogfight every now and then. With Baghdatis well-fed and fit, that is most surely what he will encounter.
The best of the rest:
John Isner vs. David Nalbandian, third match, Margaret Court Arena
Isner is 0-2 vs. Nalbandian.
Grigor Dimitrov vs. Nicolas Almagro
The days of seeing two one-handed backhands in the same match are few and far between. Enjoy them while you can.
Rafael Nadal vs Tommy Haas and Roger Federer vs. Andreas Beck
Simple rule: Federer or Nadal always equals must-see!