MATCHES TO WATCH ON DAY TWO OF THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN:
* 1-Simona Halep (ROM) v Destanee Aiava (AUS)
The world’s number one player against the youngest Australian in the draw is a banner occasion – but will it be a decent match? After coming off court at the Kooyong Classic last week, Aiava confessed she needed a break from the sport. Now she has been served up the toughest assignment in the sport. Halep, coached by Australian Darren Cahill, is seeking a first grand slam and won’t be eager to see a 17-year-old stand in her way.
* Frances Tiafoe (USA) v 12-Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG)
Tiafoe, one of tennis’s great next-gen hopes, has drawn a terrible first-round opponent in big-hitting Del Potro – but a terrific popcorn match for viewers. The Argentinian is one of the sport’s most loved figures and will be well supported on Margaret Court Arena. He needed a third-set tiebreak to win in the pair’s only meeting last year at Indian Wells. Tiafoe is looking to make it past the second round for the first time at a major. Given the quality in his part of the draw, progression to the last 32 would represent a serious achievement.
* 14-Novak Djokovic (SRB) v Donald Young (USA)
All eyes will be on Djokovic’s elbow and his rejigged service action as the six-time Melbourne Park champion returns to competitive tennis for the first time since last year’s Wimbledon. The super Serbian’s record in the Australian Open has no peer in the field, but in Donald Young he has a tricky first-up opponent. The world No.61 beat three top-20 opponents last year, Nick Kyrgios included, and will put Djokovic to the test. Realistically, if Djokovic is fit, then he wins this match – but that’s a big if.
* Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) v Daniil Medvedev (RUS)
The other half of Australia’s special Ks returns to Melbourne Park for the first time in three years – a stage he has previously relished. In 2015, he beat 11th seed Ernests Gulbis in an epic encounter before falling to Sam Groth. The year before he reached the second round as a 17-year-old, losing to top seed Rafael Nadal. After a long injury run, could he repeat the feat in 2018? In Medvedev, he’s drawn a tough opponent. The talented 21-year-old defeated Alex de Minaur in an epic Sydney International final last week.
* 29-Lucie Safarova (CZE) v Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS)
Tomljanovic, another of Australian tennis’ comeback stories, has drawn dangerous veteran Safarova in the first round. Shoulder injuries have kept Tomljanovic away from the tour on a full-time capacity but those close to the 24-year-old are hopeful that she’s turned a corner. She ran high-seeded Brit Johanna Konta to three sets already this year and she will open show court three against the 30-year-old hopeful of a first win at Melbourne Park since 2015.
