As the Australian Open progresses, both Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are of course poised to advance in their respective matches. While this is not a bold prediction, let’s add some flesh to the bone on why this will turn out as two favourite wins:
Novak Djokovic, aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam title, is arguably on of the most effective winning machines on the tour, always with an eye on the prize. In his recent first-round match, he overcame a challenging start to defeat young American Nishesh Basavareddy, proving his ability to adapt and persevere under pressure.
Still, to give himself the best conditions to make it all the way and collect the much desired 25th Grand Slam win, Djokovic will need to preserve as much energy as possible as tougher games wait further down the road.
The young Portuguese Jaime Faria impressed with a straight win in the first round and might undoubtedly prove to be an interesting player to follow in the future. But, in this game he will need to settle for the experience of having faced one of the titans of the game in a Grand Slam tournament.
Carlos Alcaraz, rapidly climbing from being a figure head of next generation tennis talents, to earning superstar status, has been making significant strides on the ATP tour in a fast pace. In his opening match at the Australian Open, Alcaraz secured a straight-sets victory against Alexander Shevchenko, indicating his readiness for the challenges ahead.
Already at his young age, Alcaraz has already collected trophies from Wimbledon, French Open and US Open. Not bad for a 21-year-old. It is not a wild guess that he will do anything within his powers to claim the only Grand Slam title missing in his trophy shelf already this year. Notably, Novak Djokovic himself has praised Alcaraz, highlighting his impressive qualities and the potential for future rivalry.
Japanese Yoshihito Nishioka is no way a sitting duck, but even with his many years of experience from Grand Slam venues, he will not be able to unsettle Alcaraz this time.
