Australian Open: Three things to watch for on Day One
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Tennis fans can rejoice. The winter is over and it’s all systems go in Melbourne for the 2017 Australian Open. So, what should we be keeping an eye out for on Day One?
Andy Murray and Roger Federer will be in action, as will reigning women’s champion Angelique Kerber.
Finalist in 2003, Venus Williams gets her campaign underway too, and there should be a buoyant atmosphere right form the off with home favourite Nick Kyrgios taking to the court on the opening day.
But here are our top three things to watch out for…
Murray’s moment
Murray takes to his first Slam as world number one with a clash against Ukraine’s Illya Marchenko.
The pair have only met once before, with the Scot prevailing in three sets in this competition six years ago.
Having lost to Novak Djokovic in the Qatar Open, there will be plenty of intrigue to see how Murray sets about his quest for a first Australian Open title.
Fed-express
Having missed a chunk of 2016 through injury, Federer arrives Down Under in the unfamiliar fashion of 17th seed.
That means a much tougher route to the latter stages, and right from the off too.
The Swiss maestro begins with a clash against the majorly experienced and former French Open semi-finalist Jurgen Melzer in what is easily one of the best opening round match-ups.
Australian heat
The mercury is set to hit 31c on Monday, so players will have to be smart with how they go about their matches.
This should benefit the more experienced players, who will have seen and dealt with it all before.
And those who play on Day One will be feeling very fortunate, with Tuesday’ set to hit a stifling 38c.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
