Novak Djokovic vs Miomir Kecmanovic – First Round – Preview & Prediction | 2022 Australian Open
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THE FACTS
When is Novak Djokovic vs Miomir Kecmanovic on and what time does it start? Novak Djokovic vs Miomir Kecmanovic will take place on Monday 17th January, 2022 – not before 09:15 (UK)
Where is Novak Djokovic vs Miomir Kecmanovic taking place? Novak Djokovic vs Miomir Kecmanovic will take place at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia
What surface is Novak Djokovic vs Miomir Kecmanovic being played on? Novak Djokovic vs Miomir Kecmanovic will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Novak Djokovic vs Miomir Kecmanovic? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Novak Djokovic vs Miomir Kecmanovic
What channel is Novak Djokovic vs Miomir Kecmanovic on in the UK? Novak Djokovic vs Miomir Kecmanovic will be televised live on Eurosport
Where can I stream Novak Djokovic vs Miomir Kecmanovic in the UK? Eurosport subscribers can stream Novak Djokovic vs Miomir Kecmanovic live on their website, while Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live on Sky Go
THE LOWDOWN
NOVAK DJOKOVIC
World number one Novak Djokovic is the reigning Australian Open champion, with last season his ninth major title from Melbourne that extended his record here. The 34-year-old also won Roland-Garros and Wimbledon last season to level on 20 Grand Slams titles apiece with Big Three rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Additionally, the Serb ended 2021 as the year-end number one for a record seventh time, surpassing his idol Pete Sampras, and his victory at the Paris Masters late last year set another record for most Masters events won (37).
MIOMIR KECMANOVIC
22-year-old Miomir Kecmanovic set a career-high ATP world ranking of 38th last March but his form steadily dipped over the remainder of the year, save some occasional stand-out performances. The Serb won his first and only ATP title to date at the Kitzbuhel Open on clay back in 2020 but he has a promising game for all surfaces and 2022 should be kinder to the youngster. Kecmanovic lost to Adrian Mannarino in the second round of last season’s Australian Open for a best showing here so far.
THE PREDICTION
At the time of writing, Novak Djokovic is in the main draw of the Australian Open and set to defend his three-straight titles here in Melbourne. The furore surrounding him is an ever-changing story that we certainly have not heard the last of but if this match is to go ahead it is likely to be a wholly uncomfortable experience for everyone involved. The world number one will play in a likely hostile environment at a tournament that has historically taken to him more than most as he holds the all-time record here but he has been given a kind opening draw against compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic that should see him blast through the noise to reach the second round. Hold off on this match until the elder Serb takes to court, though.
At this time-sensitive stage, it seems likelier that Djokovic will end up not playing in Melbourne given the backlash and bad feeling it will cause at the tournament and wider throughout Australia. As his lawyers prepare their case in response to a decision on his visa the turmoil only continues to alienate a man who will one day soon be the all-time Men’s Open Era Grand Slam record holder from a tennis world that had just started accepting him as such at last year’s US Open. Read here for our thoughts on this and what to expect from tennis in 2022.
THE UPDATE
As of Sunday, Novak Djokovic has been ordered to leave Australia. This saga looks set to rumble on in the courts but for now world number 150 Salvatore Caruso comes in as the world's most famous lucky loser to face Miomir Kecmanovic who may well be feeling patriotic for the treatment of his fellow Serb. Caruso should play with the freedom we have seen lucky losers find in recent years but Kecmanovic should eventually find a way through in probably four sets. Take the Serb to win outright.
