Australian Open: Berrettini vs Murray Prediction & Pick

TennisSection previews the 2023 Australian Open as Matteo Berrettini takes on Andy Murray in the Round of 128 on Tuesday, January 17, 2023.

The 2023 Australian Open has thrown up one of the biggest first-round matches you could possibly imagine. Italy’ top-ranked player Matteo Berrettini will meet three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray in a mouth-watering opener, scheduled at Rod Laver Arena. Who will prevail?

Matteo Berrettini couldn’t have asked for a better start to the year. The experience of bonding with his countrymen and women at the United Cup was just as vital and refreshing as an off-season holiday. But most importantly, he tested himself against some of the ATP’s top players such as Casper Ruud, Taylor Fritz, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Hubert Hurkacz. Although Italy lost heavily in the final to the USA, Berrettini’s level at this early juncture exudes optimism for the Australian Open. Will he overcome a resurgent Andy Murray?

A few seasons ago, we thought the Australian Open would turn out to be Andy Murray’s farewell tournament when he lost that epic five-setter to Bautista Agut. But Murray has shown remarkable resilience, undergoing a career-threatening hip surgery and returning to play at the top level of professional tennis. It is a testament to his fitness plans, professionalism, and dedication to the sport he loves. And the fact that he is now inside the Top 50, reinforces that point. But he has a tough draw against Italy’s No. 1 Matteo Berrettini.

Matteo Berrettini leads Andy Murray 3-1 in their head-to-head. Remarkably, this is their second Grand Slam meeting in succession after last year’s third-round showdown at the US Open which was won by the Italian in four sets. It will be a tall order to expect Murray to win here. Against any player outside the Top 50, he would stand a chance. But in a best-of-five against a Top 20 opposition who is playing some high-level tennis, he won’t be getting a lot of opportunities. Berrettini is poised to advance to the second round of the Australian Open.