Novak Djokovic vs Tomas Martin Etcheverry: 2024 Australian Open - Preview & Prediction
ATP
Novak Djokovic had a challenging start to the 2024 Australian Open, so what might happen when he faces another very tricky opponent, Tomas Martin Etcheverry?
Djokovic arrived in Melbourne after dealing with a minor wrist injury at the United Cup, and many wondered what that meant for his Australian Open. Well, as Andre Agassi pointed out, it certainly won't help him, and he didn't really play the cleanest of matches against Dino Prizmic.
It was his longest round-one match ever, and things didn't look all too good in the second round, either. He faced Alexei Popyrin and lost a set against him as well, with the wrist issue popping up late in the match. That could be troublesome against Etcheverry, who can beat the Serbian if he's given the chance.
Head-to-head:
Djokovic and Etcheverry have played before, with the Serbian winning both matches. Both were played last year, and the first one at the ATP Masters 1000 in Rome was pretty close as Djokovic won 7-6(5) 6-2.
The second match is more recent, and it was played at the Paris Masters, with Djokovic winning 6-3 6-2. So why could the Argentinian do some damage?
Mostly because of his weapons, a good serve, and some solid baseline play. A huge contribution is also Djokovic's own struggles, which could complicate the match.
| Novak Djokovic | Tomas Etcheverry | |
| 2 | H2H | 0 |
| 1 | Rank | 32 |
| 36 | Age | 24 |
| 4-1 | 2024 W/L | 2-2 |
| 1091-214 | Career W/L | 36-45 |
Prediction:
I'm far from actually declaring that Etcheverry can and will win the match. I still think Djokovic wins the match, but it could certainly get interesting. Both Popyrin and Prizmic had some success by attacking Djokovic, and Etcheverry plays a similar style.
If it ends up being one of his better days, then we're in for another 3-hour match for Djokovic, which can't be good for his wrist. He was spotted clutching it in discomfort during the match against Popyrin.
Prediction: Novak Djokovic to win in four sets.
