Three to See, Australian Open Day 1: Rublev vs. Seyboth Wild, Tiafoe vs. Coric, Sakkari vs. Hibino

Andrey Rublev vs. Thiago Seyboth Wild

Coming off an ATP 250 victory in Hong Kong, Rublev has some momentum heading into the Australian Open. Considering his many deep runs at Slams—albeit without a semifinal, yet—there is no reason to doubt that it will continue.

That is, however, if Seyboth Wild doesn’t pull another stunner, like he did last year at Roland Garros. In a stellar five-set showdown, Seyboth Wild knocked out No. 2 seed Daniil Medvedev. Although he spent the majority of last year playing challengers and ATP 250 events, it’s clear that Seyboth Wild will aim to take advantage of another major main-draw appearance.

Frances Tiafoe vs. Borna Coric

Talk about a fine first-rounder. Two intense competitors will need to get their head in the game sooner rather than later, but each are capable of a deep run. Of course, only one will even make it to Monday.

They've only faced each other once, in the 2018 Davis Cup. The Croat edged out the American in five—6-7 (0), 6-1, 6-7 (11), 6-1, 6-3, and something tells me it’s going to be no easy battle this time around either.

Maria Sakkari vs. Nao Hibino

Sakkari has had a turbulent couple of years on tour. The 28-year-old has reached two Grand Slam semifinals, but besides that hasn't been another major quarterfinal. Away from the Slams, she's reached nine finals, but has won just two. She's a contender, until she isn't.

Last year, her best result in a major was making the third round in the Australian Open. The other majors? Let’s not talk about those first-round losses.

Hibino, on the other hand, has been a consistent doubles contender on tour, having reached as high as No. 43, with singles following closely behind at No. 56. Unless Sakkari shows up to this match like the Greek Goddess we know and love, Hibino just might be the player to give her a run for her money.