Iga Swiatek vs Sofia Kenin Preview & Prediction | 2024 Australian Open | First Round
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is Iga Swiatek vs Sofia Kenin on and what time does it start? Iga Swiatek vs Sofia Kenin will take place on Tuesday 16th January, 2024 – not before 01:00 (UK)
Where is Iga Swiatek vs Sofia Kenin taking place? Iga Swiatek vs Sofia Kenin will take place at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia
What surface is Iga Swiatek vs Sofia Kenin being played on? Iga Swiatek vs Sofia Kenin will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Iga Swiatek vs Sofia Kenin? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Iga Swiatek vs Sofia Kenin
What channel is Iga Swiatek vs Sofia Kenin on in the UK? Iga Swiatek vs Sofia Kenin will be televised live on Eurosport
Where can I stream Iga Swiatek vs Sofia Kenin in the UK? Eurosport subscribers can stream Iga Swiatek vs Sofia Kenin live on their website
THE LOWDOWN
This is an incredible first round draw thrown up by the tennis gods between former world number four Sofia Kenin and world number one Iga Swiatek, who beat Kenin in straight sets to lift her maiden Grand Slam title at Roland-Garros in 2020. That day was a real turning point for both players, with Kenin winning her maiden Grand Slam title here earlier that year before the covid-19 pandemic hugely affected her trajectory. The American never really recovered from losing to Swiatek in Paris whilst the Pole has never looked back since, winning three of the last four finals there as well as the 2022 US Open to establish herself as the very best in the world at just 22 years old. 25-year-old Kenin finally brought herself back in from the cold last season with a return to the top 40 but she is still eons away from the gutsy, gung-ho ball-striker who beat two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka to the title here four years ago.
THE PREDICTION
Swiatek looked imperious all week at the United Cup, doing all she could with five singles wins and two doubles wins for Poland before defeat alongside Hubert Hurkacz in the final to Germany. A week on from that heart-break should see her raring to go here in Melbourne as one of a handful of title contenders at this fascinating Australian Open. Kenin has lost two of her three matches so far this season but she will throw every ounce of herself at this match, perhaps the most symbolic of her career so far, to make Swiatek work hard for it. Normal service would suggest taking Swiatek to win in straight sets all the same but the suitably cautious pick is backing the top seed to come through outright.
TIP: IGA SWIATEK TO WIN
