In the lead-up to the Grand Slam tournament draw ceremonies, the focus is usually on the top four seeds. Where they land is always a hot topic.
The upcoming Australian Open is no different. Novak Djokovic, a 10-time champion, is facing his toughest challenge in Melbourne in recent memory. Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Jannik Sinner are all aiming to dethrone the most decorated champion in the tournament’s history.
But it’s not just about the top seeds. Tennis fans are also keenly interested in some intriguing first-round matches. These potential clashes could happen at next month’s tournament, which is set for a historic Sunday start. This article will highlight five possible first-round matches that are sure to grab everyone’s attention.
First up, Andy Murray vs Jack Draper. This match could be a symbolic passing of the torch in British men’s tennis. Former British star Tim Henman has suggested that Andy Murray’s days on the ATP Tour are numbered.
So, what better way to bow out than a match that could pit the master against the apprentice? Jack Draper has idolized Murray while growing up. He’s been fortunate to share the stage with him at the Davis Cup and during their chaotic drive back home after the event.
Both players will be unseeded at the 2024 Australian Open. So, we might see a stalwart of British men’s tennis taking on a player tipped to be his successor as early as day one. And knowing Murray, it promises to be a long one.
Next, Holger Rune vs Stan Wawrinka. It’s safe to say that these two are unlikely to be sharing a friendly dinner anytime soon. They’ve faced off on the ATP Tour twice, and each occasion was fraught with drama.
In their first meeting at the Paris Masters, Wawrinka accused Rune of “acting like a baby.” The young Dane didn’t take kindly to those words. Their spat continued in their second meeting last season, where Wawrinka defeated Rune in Indian Wells.
Rune told Wawrinka at the net, “You got nothing to say now?” But who knows, maybe a potential duel at next month’s Australian Open could clear the air.
The third potential match-up is Jannik Sinner vs Matteo Berrettini. This would be a clash of the Italian No. 1s. Berrettini’s current ranking (92) puts him in danger of facing a Top 32 seed on his Grand Slam return.
One of those players could be his countryman Jannik Sinner, who is sitting at a career-high ranking of World No. 4. Sinner and Berrettini have a special relationship. The 22-year-old acknowledged his presence as a spectator during Italy’s Davis Cup win in November.
They’ve played once on tour, with Sinner winning in straight sets at the Canadian Open last season. If Berrettini is fit, we might see these two juggernauts collide in a clash of the heavyweights.
Next, we have Carlos Alcaraz vs Rafael Nadal. Nadal deserves to end his tennis career on his terms. He’s made it clear that he wants to do it on a tennis court. But tennis farewells don’t always work out that way.
It’s unclear how much he intends to play next year, but he’s given his word that he will do so at the Australian Open. Nadal, who will enter the tournament with a Protected Ranking, can face any Top 32 seed in the first round.
And a potential collision against his countryman and his direct successor to the mantle of flagbearer of Spanish men’s tennis, Carlos Alcaraz, could materialize. Nadal leads the head-to-head 2-1, and the Australian crowd will go wild if we get episode No. 4 between these two Spanish bullfighters.
Finally, we have Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal. One of the most prolific rivalries in tennis history could happen on the opening night, possibly on the first Sunday of the tournament. The year’s first Grand Slam is set for an earlier start date than usual.
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have played colossal high-stakes matches in the Grand Slam finals. But they could, theoretically, play in the greatest first-round match ever. Very few rivalries in tennis have the mystique and glamor that encapsulate Djokovic-Nadal matches.
They have played 59 times, but their 60th match could be the last one. While it might not reach the thrills of their previous clashes, it has the likelihood of being the most-watched tennis match of all time. And it might happen at the 2024 Australian Open.
Takeaways
‣ The 2024 Australian Open could feature several high-stakes matches, including potential first-round matchups between tennis greats such as Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
‣ Other potential matchups include Andy Murray vs Jack Draper, Holger Rune vs Stan Wawrinka, Jannik Sinner vs Matteo Berrettini, and Carlos Alcaraz vs Rafael Nadal.
‣ The tournament is set to start on a Sunday, a historic change for the event.