Roberto Carballes Baena vs Novak Djokovic – First Round – Preview & Prediction | 2023 Australian Open
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THE FACTS
When is Roberto Carballes Baena vs Novak Djokovic on and what time does it start? Roberto Carballes Baena vs Novak Djokovic will take place on Tuesday 17th January, 2023 – not before 09:15 (UK)
Where is Roberto Carballes Baena vs Novak Djokovic taking place? Roberto Carballes Baena vs Novak Djokovic will take place at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia
What surface is Roberto Carballes Baena vs Novak Djokovic being played on? Roberto Carballes Baena vs Novak Djokovic will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Roberto Carballes Baena vs Novak Djokovic? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Roberto Carballes Baena vs Novak Djokovic
What channel is Roberto Carballes Baena vs Novak Djokovic on in the UK? Roberto Carballes Baena vs Novak Djokovic will be televised live on Eurosport
Where can I stream Roberto Carballes Baena vs Novak Djokovic in the UK? Eurosport subscribers can stream Roberto Carballes Baena vs Novak Djokovic live on their website, while Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live on Sky Go
THE LOWDOWN
World number five Novak Djokovic returns to the Australian Open with plenty to prove, and in a sense a title to defend from 2021, after his humiliating deportation from Australia last season overshadowed his year. The 35-year-old also missed out on the US Open due to his vaccination status and it looks likely that he will once again miss out on the incoming ‘Sunshine Double’ in March as covid-19 restrictions tighten in the US. Away from this subject, Djokovic is the record title-holder here in Melbourne with an incredible nine of his 21 majors won on Rod Laver Arena, including each of his last three appearances in 2019, 2020 and 2021. The Serb is chasing current defending champion Rafael Nadal’s Men’s record of 22 Grand Slam titles here and a 10-match winning streak from last season’s ATP Finals makes him the clear favourite to earn his 10th Australian Open trophy.
THE PREDICTION
Novak Djokovic played a charity practice match with Nick Kyrgios on Rod Laver Arena on Friday, losing in a tiebreak to the Aussie who he beat to claim his 21st Grand Slam title at Wimbledon. Whilst the result of the match is meaningless, particularly as they finished up with two 10-year-olds for doubles partners, the fact that it happened is significant for two reasons. Firstly, whilst Djokovic’s leg injury is clearly a small concern in his camp the Serb would not have played if he needed serious rest and recuperation. Secondly, the Australian Open record title-holder was welcomed warmly by the Melbourne crowd after his fiasco here last season and that will empower the former world number one more than any practice session he undertakes this weekend. A 10-match winning streak should become 11 in comfortable circumstances here, with poor Roberto Carballes Baena drawing the shortest straw in tennis right now. The Spaniard has enjoyed some great results over the last few months but this looks an open-and-shut case for straight sets in Djokovic’s favour.
