In one of the busiest weeks in tennis history, six tournaments are being staged over the next seven days at Melbourne Park.
Two WTA 500 events already got underway on Sunday down under, with eight of the world’s top 10 players split between those two draws. On Monday, two ATP 250 tournaments begin, which include top 20 players such as Stan Wawrinka and Grigor Dimitrov. On Tuesday, the second annual ATP Cup commences, featuring all top 10 players not named Federer. And on Wednesday, a third WTA 500 event will proceed, headlined by Major champions Bianca Andreescu, Victoria Azarenka, and Angelique Kerber.
This daily preview will highlight the most intriguing matches at all six events each day this week. Monday’s action begins at 11:00am local time on Margaret Court Arena and 1573 Arena, with the outer courts starting at 10:30am local time.
The Yarra Valley Classic, a WTA 500 Event
Top seeds: Ash Barty, Sofia Kenin, Karolina Pliskova, Petra Kvitova, Serena Williams, Garbine Muguruza
Serena Williams (5) vs. Daria Gavrilova (WC) – Third Match on MCA
This will be Serena’s first match since she withdrew from Roland Garros four months ago due to an Achilles injury. During the American hard court season, Serena went 8-3, culminating with a three-set loss to Victoria Azarenka in the US Open semifinals. And she is 3-0 against Gavrilova, with three straight-set wins on hard courts. The 26-year-old Australian was ranked inside the top 20 in 2017, but is now 451st in the world after missing a year due to injuries. Despite Gavrilova’s fiery competitive spirit, this should be a straightforward affair for the GOAT.
Karolina Pliskova (3) vs. Elisabetta Cocciaretto – Fourth Match on 1573
Pliskova loves playing on Australian hard courts, with a 31-5 cord over the last four years. So she is a heavy favorite against the 20-year-old world No.132 who just earned her first career WTA-level hard court win on Sunday.
The Gippsland Trophy, a WTA 500 Event
Top seeds: Simona Halep, Naomi Osaka, Elina Svitolina, Aryna Sabalenka, Johanna Konta, Iga Swiatek
Coco Gauff (14) vs. Jil Teichmann – Second Match on MCA
23-year-old Teichmann was a surprise finalist last August in Lexington, but 16-year-old Coco should prevail as long as her service issues from last summer do not recur.
Elina Svitolina (3) vs. Andrea Petkovic – Third Match on 1573
The 33-year-old German is a former top 10 player, though she’s 0-3 against the world No.5.
Simona Halep (1) vs. Anastasia Potapova – Not Before 6:30pm on MCA
Halep was an outstanding 23-3 last year, with three tour titles in an abbreviated season. In 2021, she’ll be motivated to return to glory at a Major, especially coming off a 6-1, 6-2 Roland Garros walloping at the hands of eventual champion Iga Swiatek. While Potapova is currently ranked outside the top 100, the 19-year-old Russian is a player to keep an eye on. This will be their first career meeting.
The Murray River Open, an ATP 250 Event
Top seeds: Stan Wawrinka, Grigor Dimitrov, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Borna Coric
Frances Tiafoe vs. Corentin Moutet – First Match on Court 3
If you’re a fan of flashy shot-making, this may be your match of the day. They played twice this past October, splitting those two meetings. But the hard court encounter went to Tiafoe.
Marin Cilic (11) vs. Jeremy Chardy – Fifth Match on Court 3
Just three years after Cilic was a finalist at the Australian Open, he’ll be unseeded at this year’s event after a lackluster few seasons. On Monday he faces the unpredictable Frenchman, who he is 4-2 against.
The Great Ocean Road Open, an ATP 250 Event
Top seeds: David Goffin, Karen Khachanov, Hubert Hurkacz, Jannik Sinner
Feliciano Lopez (16) vs. Kevin Anderson – Fifth Match on 1573
Don’t expect too many breaks between these excellent, experienced servers. Anderson has claimed all four of their previous meetings in straight sets.
Monday’s full order of play is here.
