1. Rafael Nadal (Esp)(1) vs Bernard Tomic (Aus)
On paper, this might look like an easy first found match for the world number one and top seed. Nadal is in great form, having only lost four of his last thirty matches and he beat Tomic rather convincingly in their only previous meeting. But Bernard Tomic, the home favourite bad boy of Australian Tennis, is notoriously unpredictable and most certainly has it in him to play some phenomenal tennis. He's not on bad form himself either, making the finals of the Sydney ATP tournament, just being outlasted by Del Potro who went on to take the title. Juan Martin had some pretty complimentary words for the Aussie, saying he definitely has the game to trouble Nadal. There was probably a communal groan that echoed round Australia when it was announced Tomic had to face off with Nadal in the very first round but it could be a double-edged sword for him. Yes, it would require a Herculean effort on his part to topple the giant that is Nadal but it should also motivate him to play the best tennis of his life and what a moment it would be for his career it would be if he succeeded. The pair have only met once before, at this very tournament last year where Nadal knocked Tomic aside in straight sets (6-2 7-5 6-3) during the third round. But whilst Tomic is far from Aussie's only hope, the eyes of the nation will be on him when he takes centre stage on the Rod Laver court this week. If Tomic can play aggressively and really take any chances he gets, this game could be a scorcher. The first round of any slam is always a hotbed of ambition and surprising talent so there will certainly be a considerable amount of competitive matches in the opening days of the Australian Open. Special mentions go to France's Gilles Simon vs Germany's Daniel Brands which has the potential to be a great match as well as former champion Venus Williams up against the twenty-second seed Ekaterina Makerova from Russia. What matches are you excited about? And who do you expect to go through/go out? Make your predictions below!