In this week’s At The Bar, Roger Federer’s former racquet stringer Michael ‘Speedy’ Stratton and The Area News sports journalist Ben Jaffrey talk the highs and lows of the first day at Melbourne Park.

Ben: The Australian Open kicked off on Monday. Are you a fan of the non-stop tennis on at this time of year?

Speedy: I love it. It’s my favourite time of year.

Ben: Did you catch any matches?

Speedy: I watched a bit, not as much as I wanted to but I saw that young Aussie guy get up.

Ben: Yeah, I heard about him. Alex De Minaur is his name. He’s only 17.

Speedy: He’s an obvious talent. I just hope – as I’ve said before – the media don’t pile too much pressure on him.

Ben: Well he was the big story to come out of day one, plus we’re talking about him now.

Speedy: I know but there’s no need to call him the next Pat Rafter or anything like that. Just let him mature as a player and see where he goes.

Ben: Apart from De Minaur, the other big story of day one would have to be Simona Halep getting knocked out of the women’s draw.

Speedy: I was a bit surprised by that, she’s a great player and was seeded accordingly at number four.

Ben: There’s always an upset or two over the first few days. My theory might be the number she was seeded.

Speedy: How do you mean?

Ben: Stan ‘the man’ Wawrinka was seeded the same and he was almost bundled out as well.

Speedy: That clearly has nothing to do with it.

Ben: You’re probably right. But anyway, I caught the end of that match. It was as entertaining as they come.

Speedy: He’s a handy player, Wawrinka, and Martin Kližan is no mug – he knows how to put up a fight.

Ben: And you could see Wawrinka lift at the end. Every point was met with some sort of celebration.

Speedy: He’ll be at the pointy end of the draw.

Ben: Speaking of the finals. Who do you think will take them out this year?

Speedy: I picked him last year and I’ll pick him again. Novak Djokovic will win the men’s draw. I think he’ll come up against Sir Andy Murray in the final.

Ben: Fair call. I’m going to against you and go with Sir Andy will take it out. I reckon the knighthood will spur him on just enough to take the title. Of the women, I like Angelique Kerber. Who’s your tip?

Speedy: She’s been there and done it before. She’s one of the greatest players to play the game. I think you know who I’m talking about.

Ben: Serena Williams?

Speedy: Spot on.