We are looking at some blockbuster first round matches at the Australian Open on the men’s side of things.  Get some popcorn!

Stan Wawrinka vs Ernests Gulbis

Stan is slowly getting back into his rhythm.  Will be close but expect Wawrinka to win in 4 sets.

Nick Kyrgios vs Milos Raonic 

Milos should pull through.  Expect a few Kyrgios antics as always.

Dominic Thiem  vs Benoit Paire

Thiem didn’t have a good start to the year losing early in Doha.  But he should be able to handle Paire.  Thiem in 4.

Marin Cilic vs Bernard Tomic

It’s in Australia.  A big stage for Tomic.  He doesn’t have a record of winning tough matches on a big stage. Cilic in 3.

Roberto Bautista Agut  vs Andy Murray

Agut is coming off a win at Doha.  Andy looked shaky in practice.  I am not convinced he has fully recovered from his injuries/surgery.  Expect Agut to win easily in 3.

Kyle Edmund  vs Tomas Berdych

Berdych reached the final at Doha and should be to handle Edmund, who is a good player but doesn’t have a big shots. Berdych in 3.

Kei Nishikori won his first title in 3 years beating Russian Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 to win Brisbane. If Nishikori can remain injury free, he can cause trouble to a lot of the top players.

Roberto Bautista Agut defeated Tomas Berdych 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 to capture his ninth career title in Doha. Earlier in the week, Agut had wins overStan Wawrinka and Novak Djokovic. A great week for the Spaniard.