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Australian Open 2018 is just about to start. Begining with the first round, swiss Stan Wawrinka faces ambitious lithuanian Ricardas Berankis – match starts on January 16, at 1:00 am. It is going to be the first match between these players.
First, for no instant assumptions to be made, let’s analyze both players.
Ricardas Berankis (ATP 138) – a 27-year-old, still fast long rally hitter. He has a strong and stable forehand and despite his height (1,75 m) hits quite rapid serves. Also, statistics show that the Lithuanian performs well on hard court, especially when it comes to Australian Open – here he has reached his furthest round in Grand Slam tournaments (3rd round, 2011 & 2013). Although now his rank doesn’t seem to scare his opponent, this player has very good chances to at least take a set.
Stan Wawrinka (ATP 9) – a slightly older (32-year-old) member of tennis elite, champion of 3 Grand Slam titles and still a fascinating performer on-court. Possessing one of the strongest one-handed backhands on tour, Stan Wawrinka tends to play more behind the baseline. Also, fast and accurate serves give opportunities to kill the opponent with a strong volley. There’s no doubt – a swiss has frightening statistics when it comes to his career goals he had already achieved, but looking at the present we could agree that he isn’t at his best form. Due to injury, Stan hadn’t played a single match since Wimbledon 2017, besides, he didn’t play any pre-tournaments on hard court before the Grand Slam.
So, at the forst glance, Stan Wawrinka might seem to have all the odds in his favor, but knowing his current on-court activity, it is quite obvious that the upcoming match is a perfect opportunity for Ricardas Berankis to fulfill his ambitions.
In my opinion, it is hard to guess the winner, but match might be quite long, Berankis will take at least one set
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