Tennis | Australian Open 2024 | Iga Swiatek takes on former champion Sofia Kenin on day three

01/15/2024 01:30 PM

By Tony Fairbairn

• Iga Swiatek [1] v Sofia Kenin
• Carlos Alcaraz [2] v Richard Gasquet
• Elena Rybakina [3] v Karolina Pliskova

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Iga Swiatek begins her Australian Open campaign against former champion Sofia Kenin as the first round matches conclude on day three of the first Grand Slam of the year.

Iga Swiatek [1] v Sofia Kenin  H2H & Match Fundamentals

Despite losing her world number one ranking at the US Open last season, Iga Swiatek bounced back in a way champions only know how as she regained her world number one ranking by claiming the title at the WTA Finals. The Pole had another successful season in 2023 in terms of titles but one of her biggest goals for 2024 is to win the Australian Open. After a fourth round exit last year, the pressure is now on the Pole to deliver in Melbourne as she enters the first Grand Slam of the year full of confidence after a successful United Cup campaign.

The first obstacle for Swiatek to overcome is former champion Sofia Kenin, who's glory back in 2020 seems like a lifetime ago. The American has struggled for consistent match practice with injuries halting her progress and has failed to regain her level since making her comeback to the tour. After a long period outside the world's top 100, Kenin has recovered her ranking to 41 in the world and will be hoping for a period of stability and success as she looks to start that process in Melbourne with a statement opening round win.

Swiatek will look to be aggressive on serve as she aims to neutralise Kenin's returning qualities while using the angles to open up the court. Meanwhile Kenin will look for depth to force the shorter ball from Swiatek as the American looks to be aggressive and finish the points off early. A quick start is needed for Kenin otherwise it could be a very long afternoon for the American. In the end Swiatek's quality on both forehand and backhand should prove too much for the former champion.

Prediction: Swiatek in straight sets.  

Carlos Alcaraz [2] v Richard Gasquet  H2H & Match Fundamentals

Since winning Wimbledon, Carlos Alcaraz has failed to establish himself as the dominant force on the ATP tour as the Spaniard continues to learn lessons of what it takes to consistently challenge Novak Djokovic at the top of the sport. However Alcaraz will be motivated by the fact that he has no ranking points to defend in Melbourne and he can have a free hit at the Australian Open just like he did at SW19, which is when the world number two is at his most dangerous.

The Spaniard will continue to put that theory to the test when he takes on veteran Richard Gasquet. The Frenchman is still going at 37 years old and can still be a tough player to face in the biggest moments as Cameron Norrie found out in Auckland last year. Although Gasquet's form isn't great, the world number 76 will fancy his chances at producing some inspired tennis on another big stage as he looks to cause another shock to a top player.

Alcaraz will look to be aggressive as possible as he looks to use the forehand to dictate play, forcing Gasquet to move around the court. Meanwhile Gasquet will look to use depth and spin to try to force tactical errors from the Wimbledon champion. The Frenchman will make a quick start but once Alcaraz gets going, it will be hard to stop the Spaniard.

Prediction: Alcaraz in straight sets.   

Elena Rybakina [3] v Karolina Pliskova H2H & Match Fundamentals

Elena Rybakina is arguably the favourite for the Australian Open title having pushed Aryna Sabalenka all the way in last year's final as well as beating the world number two for the Brisbane title. The Kazakh has consistently been challenging at the top of the women's game with her ranking now fairly reflecting that. However Rybakina always plays her best tennis when she is under the radar, so now that the spotlight is on the third seed will the pressure affect the 24 year-old's tennis?

A tough match awaits Rybakina in the opening round in the form of Karolina Pliskova who has been undergoing a gradual decline down the rankings over the last couple of years. The former US Open finalist has been in terrible form recently but the world knows that when she's not feeling any pressure, Pliskova can be one of the most dangerous players in the world. Now the world number 38 will look to build on her win over Naomi Osaka in Brisbane and shock the world in Melbourne.

Rybakina will look to use depth from the forehand to force errors from Pliskova as the Kazakh will aim to use variety to catch Pliskova off guard. Meanwhile Pliskova will look to produce a high percentage of first serves as she looks to test Rybakina's return early on in the match. The Czech Republican will get off to a quick start but last year's finalist should have enough quality to prevail.

Prediction: Rybakina in three sets.           

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