Expert Predicts Australian Open Debuts of Auger-Aliassime, Fernandez, and Diallo

Casey Halston

ago 2 hours

Expert Predicts Australian Open Debuts of Auger-Aliassime, Fernandez, and Diallo

As the Australian Open begins, Canadian tennis players Félix Auger-Aliassime, Leylah Fernandez, and Gabriel Diallo are poised for their major debuts this season. The tournament marks a significant event in the tennis calendar, running from January 14, 2024, in Melbourne.

Félix Auger-Aliassime’s Journey

Ranked 7th, Félix Auger-Aliassime’s previous performance at the Australian Open saw him eliminated in the second round against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. His best finish came in 2022 when he reached the quarter-finals.

Potential Matchups

First Round: Nuno Borges (Portugal) – Ranked 46th
Second Round: Juan Manuel Cerundolo (Argentina) – Ranked 83rd
Third Round: Learner Tien (USA) – 25th Seed
Round of 16: Daniil Medvedev (Russia) – 11th Seed
Quarter-Final: Alexander Zverev (Germany) – 3rd Seed
Semi-Final: Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) – 1st Seed
Final: Jannik Sinner (Italy) – 2nd Seed

Auger-Aliassime is optimistic after his recent semi-final appearance at the US Open. His first challenge against Borges, known for his resilience, could set the tone for his performance in Melbourne.

Leylah Fernandez’s Challenge

With a ranking of 22nd, Leylah Fernandez aims to improve on her previous third-round exit. This year, she faces a tough path right from the start.

Potential Opponents

First Round: Janice Tjen (India) – Ranked 56th
Second Round: Karolina Pliskova (Czech Republic) – Ranked 1052nd
Third Round: Madison Keys (USA) – 9th Seed
Round of 16: Jessica Pegula (USA) – 6th Seed
Quarter-Final: Amanda Anisimova (USA) – 4th Seed
Semi-Final: Iga Swiatek (Poland) – 2nd Seed
Final: Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) – 1st Seed

Fernandez enters the tournament without recent victories, highlighting the need for her to swiftly adapt to her opponents’ experience.

Gabriel Diallo’s Debut

Gabriel Diallo, ranked 41st, faces off against a challenging opponent in the first round—Alexander Zverev, the 3rd seed.

Match Path

First Round: Alexander Zverev (Germany) – 3rd Seed
Second Round: Alexei Popyrin (Australia) – Ranked 49th
Third Round: Cameron Norrie (Great Britain) – 26th Seed
Round of 16: Andrey Rublev (Russia) – 13th Seed
Quarter-Final: Félix Auger-Aliassime (Canada) – 7th Seed
Semi-Final: Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) – 1st Seed
Final: Jannik Sinner (Italy) – 2nd Seed

This will be Diallo’s first major tournament with a new coaching team. His match against Zverev poses a significant test early on.

Canada’s Presence at the Australian Open

Canada boasts seven players in singles at this year’s tournament, including standout names like Victoria Mboko and Denis Shapovalov. Newcomer Liam Draxl will also make his Grand Slam debut.