Help
1/13/08 10:57 PM | Cheryl Murray
Melbourne - Novak Djokovic takes the court on Tuesday in his 2008 Australian Open debut on the new blue plexicushion surface. Though his first round match against Germany's Benjamin Becker should be relatively easy for the Serb, his quarter is filled with dangerous opponents including David Nalbandian, who is on a sizzling hot streak, Lleyton Hewitt and David Ferrer.
First round matches to note in the quarter include Marcos Baghdatis vs. Thomas Johansson. Baghdatis was a finalist in 2006 and Johansson the winner in 2002. Though seeded 15th in the draw, Baghdatis has had inconsistent results in 2007; Johansson might just succeed in pulling off the upset.
Another interesting match-up should be Dmitry Tursunov and Xavier Malisse. Each man will be trying to power the other off the court with his massive forehand. The winner will be decided by which man's forehand is more accurate. Malisse is the slightly more inconsistent of the two; expect Tursunov to win in 4.
Also in this quarter, Lleyton Hewitt will need to get past Belgian Steve Darcis to please his countrymen. Darcis won his first ATP tour title in July at a clay tournament in Amersfoort. He'll be heading into 2008 with confidence, but the Aussie should be able to advance to the second round.
Tell a friend »
Did you know that... In the beginning of 2000, Vincent Spadea lost 21 consecutive ATP matches.
posmatrac, Aug 29, 2008 6:03 AM
agf25agf, Aug 28, 2008 1:21 PM
tenstar, Aug 28, 2008 11:06 AM
ed251137, Aug 28, 2008 9:39 AM
cherylmurray, Aug 27, 2008 3:10 PM
RocketQueen, Aug 29, 2008 5:37 AM
DejaBlue, Aug 28, 2008 7:05 PM
dusko82, Aug 28, 2008 11:33 AM
Did you know that... Jimmy Connors is the only player to have won the US Open on grass, clay and hard court.
posmatrac, Aug 29, 2008 6:03 AM
agf25agf, Aug 28, 2008 1:21 PM
tenstar, Aug 28, 2008 11:06 AM
ed251137, Aug 28, 2008 9:39 AM
cherylmurray, Aug 27, 2008 3:10 PM
RocketQueen, Aug 29, 2008 5:37 AM
DejaBlue, Aug 28, 2008 7:05 PM
dusko82, Aug 28, 2008 11:33 AM
