Nick Kyrgios vs Roman Safiullin – First Round – Preview & Prediction | 2023 Australian Open
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THE FACTS
When is Nick Kyrgios vs Roman Safiullin on and what time does it start? Nick Kyrgios vs Roman Safiullin will take place on Tuesday 17th January, 2023 – not before 08:00 (UK)
Where is Nick Kyrgios vs Roman Safiullin taking place? Nick Kyrgios vs Roman Safiullin will take place at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia
What surface is Nick Kyrgios vs Roman Safiullin being played on? Nick Kyrgios vs Roman Safiullin will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Nick Kyrgios vs Roman Safiullin? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Nick Kyrgios vs Roman Safiullin
What channel is Nick Kyrgios vs Roman Safiullin on in the UK? Nick Kyrgios vs Roman Safiullin will be televised live on Eurosport
Where can I stream Nick Kyrgios vs Roman Safiullin in the UK? Eurosport subscribers can stream Nick Kyrgios vs Roman Safiullin live on their website, while Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live on Sky Go
THE LOWDOWN
World number 21 Nick Kyrgios enjoyed his best season on tour in 2022, the highlights of which include: finishing runner-up to Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon in four sets in his first Grand Slam final, winning the Australian Open Men’s Doubles title alongside friend and compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis and claiming a second Washington Open title to make it seven career ATP titles so far. The 27-year-old looked set for another shot at a major singles title at the US Open in September before a five-set thriller with Karen Khachanov saw him fall just short and he played only two more singles matches before qualifying for the ATP Finals in the Men’s Doubles draw alongside Kokkinakis. The Aussie needs little winding up to play well at the Australian Open but it is something of a myth that he can always start at 100% - although a charity practice match with Novak Djokovic fell his way in a deciding tiebreak on Friday on Rod Laver Arena.
THE PREDICTION
The practice match means little in terms of form, particularly as the pair ended the match with 10-year-old doubles partners, but it does give Kyrgios an extra buzz of home support before he faces world number 98 Roman Safiullin for the first time. 25-year-old Safiullin was a notable junior player before falling into the wilderness but he enjoyed some brief flashes of good form in 2022, including a run to the semi-finals of the Tel Aviv Open last October. Anywhere else on tour and the Russian could be a proper thorn in Kyrgios’ side, particularly in his current guise with little to no match practice, but the Melbourne crowd will empower their favoured son to win through here and probably in straight sets.
