Smash Talk: Who’ll star (or not) at AO2018?

After tantalising warm-up acts at Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Hobart, the main act begins today with the Australian Open.

The Smash Talk team of Vivienne Christie, Leigh Rogers and Bede Briscomb discuss the exciting storylines and the stars and potential disappointments of AO2018.

What’s been the best storyline so far this season?

Christie: The Aussies. We always look for one to shine early in the summer and this year we’ve had three in Nick Kyrgios’ Brisbane title and finals runs in Sydney for Ash Barty and Alex de Minaur. I also loved what I saw of Thanasi Kokkinakis in Perth. Such positive momentum to take into a home Grand Slam.

Rogers: Has there ever been an Australian Open this wide open? Both the men’s and women’s singles draws are more unpredictable than ever – and it has made the build-up even more exciting.

Briscomb: THE DEMON! Alex De Minaur looks like a genuine future top ten player who will take the pressure of Nick Kyrgios as Australia’s only male star.

QUIZ: Were you paying attention in the off-season?

Who’ll be the best-performing local player at the Australian Open?

Christie: Nick Kyrgios is set to shine. He’s confident, motivated and not even the worry of a knee injury will stop him from progressing deep into the second week. It won’t simply be a career-best Grand Slam for the 22-year-old but possibly his first title.

Rogers: Nick Kyrgios – I’m tipping he’ll be playing on the last day of the tournament too.

Briscomb: Nick Kyrgios. I think he and Ash Barty will both make fourth round, but Nick has a better shot at beating Grigor Dimitrov than Barty does of beating Simona Halep.

Who’ll be on an early flight?

Christie: Venus Williams. If she can make it past Belinda Bencic in round one, perennial Australian Open disruptor is looming in the third round; I desperately want to be wrong about this but I’m not sure that Rafael Nadal’s knees can take him to the second week, let alone to a 17th Grand Slam title.

Rogers: Maria Sharapova. The former world No.1 might win a round or two, but she won’t be around in the second week.

Briscomb: Men – Dominic Thiem, Women – Kristina Mladenovic.

Which Slam-less star  is most likely to shine?

Christie: Caroline Wozniacki will shake up the women’s side, and David Goffin will light up the men’s draw.

Rogers: Karolina Pliskova is flying under-the-radar, which could be just what the Czech needs to make her major breakthrough.

Briscomb: Men – Elina Svitolina Women – David Goffin.

Female Champion

Christie: Caroline Wozniacki

Rogers: Karolina Pliskova

Briscomb: Elina Svitolina

Male Champion

Christie: Nick Kyrgios

Rogers: Roger Federer

Briscomb: Roger Federer