- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
| Match: Finished | 1 | 2 |
|---|---|---|
| T. Daniel (JPN) | 5 | 4 |
| T. Kokkinakis (AUS) | 7 | 2 |
| Completed Sets | ||
|---|---|---|
| Set won by T. Kokkinakis | 5 - 7 | T. Kokkinakis leads 0 to 1 |
Show Preview
Taro Daniel and Thanasi Kokkinakis meet in first round action at the Australian Open at Melbourne Park. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3:30pm (AEDT).
After failing to earn a wildcard from the authorities, Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis fought his way through qualifying and will make his third appearance in the Australian Open. The 22-year-old still has many people believing there are bright things on the horizon if he is able to overcome some of the injury concerns that have kept him out of tennis for some time.
Kokkinakis comes into the Open with high hopes, yet also faces the stark reality that his form has not been of the standard he would expect due to the time she spent out of the game in 2018.
There was some solid challenger play late in the season, whether that is enough to get him through; only time will tell.
His Japanese opponent today enjoyed a solid 2018 where he rose to his career-high ranking in the middle of the year after a win over Novak Djokovic.
He has held his form well since and comes into the Australian Open ranked 72 in the world. With nine grand slam appearance in his resume, his court craft is beginning to develop, yet he has never progressed past the first round in Australia.
The 25-year-old will look to ruffle the Australian; mixing up the play and taking away the power game of Kokkinakis in order to start his 2019 season in the best possible way.
Kokkinakis will have all the support of the fans and hope to use it to his advantage; creating a raucous atmosphere on the outside court.
Prediction
This looks like being a long match. Potentially five sets. If that does prove to be the case, Daniel should prevail thanks to a much more hardened and match-fit body. If Kokkinakis can get on top early, he could have a chance yet Daniel looks the likely – and somewhat surprise – winner to me.
Catch all the action on The Roar, with live coverage from 3:30pm (AEDT).
Game information
Where: Melbourne Park, Melbourne Australia
When: Tuesday 15th January 2019, 2pm (AEDT)
TV: Nine Network and the 9NOW app
Betting: T.Daniel $3.75, T.Kokkinakis $1.22
Hide Preview