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Three to See, Australian Open Day 1: Gauff vs. Wang; Norrie vs. Korda; Berrettini vs. Nakashima

Novak is no longer on the opening-day schedule. That doesn't mean the matches are lacking.

BySteve Tignor

Published Jan 16, 2022

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WATCH: Rafael Nadal, also in action on Day 1, speaks to the media before the Australian Open.

Before each day's play in Melbourne, we'll preview three must-see matches.

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Coco Gauff vs. Qiang Wang

Based on their rankings and recent results, this doesn’t look like a close contest. Gauff is at a career-high No. 16 and has already been to a semifinal this year. Qiang Wang, meanwhile, cut her 2021 short in September, citing the pandemic and a disc herniation, and is down to No. 110. But she has been as high as No. 12; has reached a Grand Slam quarterfinal; and beat Serena Williams at the Australian Open two years ago. She also pushed Gauff to a second-set tiebreaker at Roland Garros last year. Qiang Wang might not quite be ready to overcome the American this time, but she may give her the early test she’ll be looking for. Winner: Gauff

Coco Gauff is at a career-high No. 16 and has already been to a semifinal this year.

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Cameron Norrie vs. Sebastian Korda

It’s the Brits against the Yanks again, in one of the best first-rounders of the men’s draw. Norrie, 26, may have been the most improved male player of 2021, while Korda, 21, showed the stuff of a future Grand Slam champion last year. That included a win over Norrie himself, in their only previous meeting, in Delray Beach. Norrie has the edge in ranking—No. 12 to No. 40—and maturity. Korda has the edge in raw shot-making skills. One question mark is Norrie’s 0-3 showing at the ATP Cup last week. Was that a sign of a post-breakthrough letdown to come, or was it just an off-week against strong competition? We’ll know more after Monday. Winner: Korda

Matteo Berrettini vs. Brandon Nakashima

How close are the young American men to the top Next Genners? This match will give us an idea. Nakashima is a 20-year-old Californian who may have the best backhand of the current U.S. men’s crop. He made some strides last year, won two matches in Sydney last week, and looks certain to improve on his ranking of No. 68 in 2022. Right now, though, Berrettini is on a different plane. He’s ranked seventh, he’s already made a Grand Slam final, at Wimbledon last year, and he has own highly versatile backhand that allows him to chip or drive the ball as he pleases. Nakashima is looking for a signature win, and this would give it to him; Berrettini is looking to still be playing two weeks from now. Winner: Berrettini

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