2021 Australian Open First Round – Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Tommy Paul Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Tommy Paul taking place? Melbourne Park, Melbourne
When is Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Tommy Paul on and what time does it start? Tuesday 9th February, 2021 – not before 03:15 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Tommy Paul? Click here to reach the official 2021 Australian Open ticket selection
What channel is Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Tommy Paul on? The 2021 Australian Open will be televised on Eurosport so it is worth checking their schedule for this specific match
Where can I stream Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Tommy Paul in the UK? Sky customers can stream this match on the Sky Go app. Alternatively, the match can be streamed to subscribers of Eurosport Player, either on the official website or as an add-on to an Amazon Prime subscription
THE PREDICTION
Nikoloz Basilashvili is 2-2 for the new season after reaching the quarter-finals of the Antalya Open last month but the 28-year-old still looks a shadow of his former self. The current world number 39 endured a terrible season in 2020, losing 13 of the 17 matches he played including an 11-match losing streak that ran up to the end of the year. He faces 23-year-old American Tommy Paul with the younger man in much better form right now despite a disappointing loss to Alexei Popyrin at the Murray River Open last week. Paul made the third round here in his Australian Open debut last season and he enjoys the limelight of a Grand Slam stage. Basilashvili has not put in a performance that suggests his slump is over yet and that should see Paul win this first round match, potentially even in straight sets.
