Novak Djokovic vs Alexei Popyrin Preview & Prediction | 2024 Australian Open | Second Round
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THE FACTS
When is Novak Djokovic vs Alexei Popyrin on and what time does it start? Novak Djokovic vs Alexei Popyrin will take place on Wednesday 17th January, 2024 – not before 09:15 (UK)
Where is Novak Djokovic vs Alexei Popyrin taking place? Novak Djokovic vs Alexei Popyrin will take place at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia
What surface is Novak Djokovic vs Alexei Popyrin being played on? Novak Djokovic vs Alexei Popyrin will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Novak Djokovic vs Alexei Popyrin? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Novak Djokovic vs Alexei Popyrin
What channel is Novak Djokovic vs Alexei Popyrin on in the UK? Novak Djokovic vs Alexei Popyrin will be televised live on Eurosport
Where can I stream Novak Djokovic vs Alexei Popyrin in the UK? Eurosport subscribers can stream Novak Djokovic vs Alexei Popyrin live on their website
THE LOWDOWN
World number one Novak Djokovic was made to work hard for his opening victory at the Australian Open by an incredible effort from 18-year-old Dino Prizmic, who looked a real future star in a four-set epic with the 10-time champion. 36-year-old Djokovic had been suffering a little with illness coming into the match, and a wrist issue hampered his preparation ahead of Melbourne, but Prizmic’s talent was undeniable on a historic first Sunday at the Australian Open in the Serb’s longest first round match here since 2011.
Djokovic dropped just one set last season, against Enzo Coaucaud in the second round, en-route to his record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam title but he looks set for a tougher challenge this year with so many young players stepping up to be counted. Defeat to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon last season scuppered his chances at a calendar slam for another season but he set and then broke his own Men’s Singles Grand Slam record with titles in Wimbledon and the US Open ahead of this year’s even harder test: the golden slam – achieved only by Steffi Graf in 1988.
THE PREDICTION
World number 43 Alexei Popyrin enjoyed a comfortable opener over fellow Aussie Marc Polmans on Monday and he will be backed to the hilt by a near-partisan support in this potential thriller – with Djokovic able to count on a small but vociferous pocket of Serbians to back him. 24-year-old Popyrin upset Taylor Fritz in five thrilling sets at this stage of last season’s Australian Open but this is clearly several leagues tougher, particularly as Djokovic will be better for an opening scare against Prizmic. The cautious advice is taking Djokovic to win outright but then that in itself suggests a one-off on Popyrin to snatch a set is reasonable. Consider adding at least a tiebreak here with Popyrin’s serve a fearsome weapon backed by a baying crowd.
TIP: NOVAK DJOKOVIC TO WIN (AND OVER 0.5 TIEBREAKS)
