Australian Open R1 previews and predictions: Shelton vs. Bautista Agut, Murray vs. Etcheverry

The Australian Open preliminary continues Monday, with young weapon Ben Shelton handling veteran Roberto Bautista Agut and fan preferred Andy Murray fighting Tomas Martin Etcheverry. Shelton and Etcheverry are seeded.

(16) Ben Shelton vs. Roberto Bautista Agut

Ben Shelton had good preparation for the very first Grand Slam of the year. The American, who is safeguarding quarterfinal points from in 2015, burst onto the tennis scene in 2023 with deep perform at both the Australian Open and the U.S. Open (semis). He published a semifinal proving recently at the tune-up occasion in Auckland (lost to Taro Daniel).

Roberto Bautista Agut has actually seen his ranking dip into the 50s in the previous couple years, far from his career-high ranking of No. 9 back in 2019. But in spite of decreasing a bit, the Spaniard still handled to make his method to the quarters in Hong Kong in his Melbourne warmup before losing right now in Auckland to Roberto Carballes Baena.

This will be the very first conference in between Shelton and Bautista Agut. Given each man’s current kind, Shelton need to have the edge on Monday. The 21-year-old has actually currently shown his guts in best-of-five on tough courts. While Bautista Agut might capture a set, anticipate this one to go to the preferred.

Cheryl choice: Shelton in 4

Ricky choice: Shelton in 4

Andy Murray vs. (30) Tomas Martin Etcheverry

Scottish veteran Andy Murray will start his 16th Australian Open versus the Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry. The 44th-ranked Murray, who is unquestionably in the golden of his profession, began his 2024 season in Brisbane–where he lost to ultimate champ Grigor Dimitrov in 3 amusing (and competitive) sets.

Etcheverry fared simply as improperly in Brisbane as Murray did. The world No. 30 dropped his opener to Czech Tomas Machac. Etcheverry sits at a career-high ranking today, however almost all of his points originate from his efficiency throughout the clay season. He had a quarterfinal proving at Roland Garros in 2015.

The 2 males have actually satisfied two times previously, both in 2023. They split wins at one each, with Murray winning their conference in Indian Wells and Etcheverry in Basel. There can be little doubt that Murray is the much better hard-courter, however he likewise fights his own body–a repercussion of being 36 years of ages with a metal hip. The crowd will be securely in Murray’s corner, and the Scot has actually generally played well Down Under. This one need to go to Murray.

Cheryl choice: Murray in 4

Ricky choice: Murray in 5