Looking Ahead – potential match-ups

Nick Kyrgios v Alex Zverev (third round)
Are you taking notice, TV broadcasters? If the Kyrgios comeback reaches at least the round of 32 (fingers crossed), the German world No.2 could be next in the Australian’s path. Zverev and Kyrgios don’t really have a frosty history but a Thursday or Friday showdown should have plenty of spice.

Carlos Alcaraz v Jordan Thompson (third round)
Australian Jordan Thompson is enjoying career-best form and the benefits of a seeding that come with a zoom up the rankings. But he could face a reality check in the form of a clash versus Alcaraz, a player already with the Wimbledon, Roland-Garros and US Open titles to this name. Channel Nine would be pencilling this clash in as a ratings winner.

Novak Djokovic v Reilly Opelka (third round)
The Serbian 10-time champion drew nicely with American wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy first-up. But if Djokovic goes all the way to another Melbourne Park title, no doubt he’ll have earned it. World No.1 Jannik Sinner is on the other half of the draw, but it could be his third-round opponent who offers a bit of trouble. American Opelka is on the comeback trail after injuries and defeated the former world No.1 at the Brisbane International. Bring on another clash.

Loading

Aryna Sabalenka v Mirra Andreeva (fourth round)
Sabalenka has been known to surge through the rounds at the Australian Open, but perhaps this shapes an unexpected roadblock. Young gun Andreeva plays with plenty of confidence and is suddenly and seemingly on a path to the world’s top 10. Expect two-time defending champion Sabalenka to safely beat former US Open champion Sloane Stephens first-up. Beyond that? The women’s draw always surprises.

Jannik Sinner v Carlos Alcaraz (men’s final)
Thank goodness the two stars of the game are on opposite sides of the draw. Without looking too far ahead, a Sinner versus Alcaraz men’s final in two weeks shapes as a beauty. For a player who could have a career grand slam in his grasp by the end of the tournament, Alcaraz shapes as a bit of an unknown in Melbourne, but he did reach the quarters 12 months ago.

Watch the Australian Open live & free on the 9Network & 9Now. Stan Sport is the only place to watch every match ad-free, live & on demand.