Australian Open 2014: 4 Must-See First Round Matches

By Katie Feehan /

With the season's first grand slam getting underway on Monday, it's time to start prioritising your viewing for the first week's busy schedule. It's business as usual with no significant absences from the tournament. Britain's Andy Murray is to make his first proper appearance since his back surgery in September but the Scot is not confident about his chances, making his first round encounter with Japanese competitor Soeda probably not one to lose any sleep over. As is the usual case for the first round of grand slams, most of the top seeds are playing unseeded players and will make for predictable viewing. Djokovic, Ferrer, Del Potro and Federer are all matched up against unseeded or qualifying players so should make it through with relative ease. The Women's game is looking pretty similar, although it is fair to say the women's game is more inconsistent and upsets are a frequent feature of the women's draw in grand slams. But probably 2014 victor, Serena Williams is to face Australian youngster Barty but, whilst she is a promising prospect for Australia, she shouldn't trouble the world number one, who is looking for a historic eighteenth grand slam title. There are, however, some matches that promise to be entertaining and competitive. Let's take a look at what you should keep an eye out for this week.