Taylor Fritz vs Nikoloz Basilashvili – First Round – Preview & Prediction | 2023 Australian Open
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THE FACTS
When is Taylor Fritz vs Nikoloz Basilashvili on and what time does it start? Taylor Fritz vs Nikoloz Basilashvili will take place on Tuesday 17th January, 2023 – not before 02:00 (UK)
Where is Taylor Fritz vs Nikoloz Basilashvili taking place? Taylor Fritz vs Nikoloz Basilashvili will take place at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia
What surface is Taylor Fritz vs Nikoloz Basilashvili being played on? Taylor Fritz vs Nikoloz Basilashvili will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Taylor Fritz vs Nikoloz Basilashvili? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Taylor Fritz vs Nikoloz Basilashvili
What channel is Taylor Fritz vs Nikoloz Basilashvili on in the UK? Taylor Fritz vs Nikoloz Basilashvili will be televised live on Eurosport
Where can I stream Taylor Fritz vs Nikoloz Basilashvili in the UK? Eurosport subscribers can stream Taylor Fritz vs Nikoloz Basilashvili live on their website, while Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live on Sky Go
THE LOWDOWN
25-year-old Taylor Fritz set a career-high ATP world ranking of eighth late last season to just squeak into his debut appearance at the ATP Finals, where he did himself proud in a semi-final exit to eventual champion Novak Djokovic. The current world number nine produced some of his best performances last season, including in defeat to Rafael Nadal in five sets in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon, but his transformative 2022 started here in Melbourne when he came exceptionally close to stunning Stefanos Tsitsipas in another five-set exit. One year on, Fritz is one of the most in-form players on the ATP tour and a genuine dark horse for the title after his exploits at the ATP Finals.
THE PREDICTION
World number 89 Nikoloz Basilashvili continues to struggle with matters off the court and a straight-sets defeat to Marco Cecchinato at the Pune Open last week looks like a continuation of the torrid form that saw him end 2022 with a horrendous 14-29 record. The former top 20 player is always capable of an explosive set or two but Fritz should be able to win this match in comfortable fashion. Three sets is a risk but probably the right call given Basilashvili’s steep decline.
