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Big-serving Aussie Sam Groth faces a tough first round at the Australian Open as he squares off against Frenchman Adrian Mannarino. Join The Roar for live scores from 11am (AEDT).
Groth’s preparation for the Australian Open hasn’t been ideal, losing in the first round of the Brisbane and Sydney International to Hyeung Chung and Federico Delbonis respectively.
The Australian is still recovering from a foot injury and it remains to be seen if he will be at his best in a match that could be a lengthy affair.
Mannarino and Groth have played each other in the Challenger circuit on two occasions and both matches were tight affairs.
Mannarino won their last encounter, in 2014 in Knoxville, beating the Australian in three tight sets. Groth won the other, but that was way back in 2007 in Great Britain.
Groth will be relying heavily on his fast serve – a major weapon that can rack up a very large ace count – to get him out of trouble. His forehand and play at the net is also solid, but Groth’s form can fall away in key moments.
The Frenchman himself isn’t in the best of form, losing in straight sets to Nicolas Mahut in Sydney last week.
Mannarino did however contest an ATP tour final last season in Colombia, losing to Australia’s Bernard Tomic in three sets.
With both players not in the best of touch, Groth starts a slight favourite given that crowd support will be in his favour. Such support may be enough for Groth to secure a valued second-round place at his home slam, despite his fitness concerns.
Groth to win in five sets.