As the men’s main draw kicks off, here are some matchups you cannot miss

• Facebook
• Twitter

Brazil's Olympic champions Bruno Schmidt and Alison will face a Swiss team on their debut

It’s all set! The Fort Lauderdale Major men’s main draw starts this Wednesday with 32 of the best teams in the world set to compete for the crown of the first Beach Major Series event of the season in Florida. The medal matches are only on Sunday, but there already some matches you cannot afford missing.

Who? Alison/Bruno v Beeler/Krattiger

Where? Court 2

When? 12.20pm EST

Why? After an early exit in 2017, the Olympic champions are back to Fort Lauderdale with a chip on their shoulders. For the young Swiss, who had a safe path from qualification to main draw, it’s an opportunity to avenge the setback the Brazilians imposed them last year on their home soil in the Gstaad Major.

Who? Plavins/Tocs v Varenhorst/Bouter

Where? Court 4

When? 1.10pm EST

Why? Both are new teams for the 2018 World Tour season and are competing in their first Beach Major Series event. The Latvians are one of the hottest teams in the world right now, having won 17 of their first 20 matches, including one against the Dutch in The Hague in January.

Who? Guto/Vitor Felipe v Stoyanovskiy/Velichko

Where? Court 3

When? 2pm EST

Why? At 26, Vitor Felipe will be the oldest player on the court on this new generation clash. The Brazilians have more experience, combining for 96 tournaments among them against 42 of the Russians, but will have to deal with a huge height disadvantage at the net thanks to Stoyanovskiy’s 2.05m.

Who? Lupo/Nicolai v Patterson/Slick

Where? Red Bull Beach Arena

When? 7pm EST

Why? The Italian Olympic silver medalist will debut in the #FTLMajor against one of the most popular home teams. While the Europeans are starting their eighth season together, the Americans are playing only their tournament as a team and are looking forward to show they deserved the wildcard they received after finishing 17th in The Hague and 25th in Kish Island.

Who? Dalhausser/Lucena v Mol/Bernsten

Where? Red Bull Beach Arena

When? 8pm EST

Why? The home favorites should expect massive support from the stands when they enter the center court to face the Norwegian qualifiers. It will be Lucena and Dalhausser’s first match in 2018, but, both at 38, the Americans should have plenty of experience to handle the Norwegians energy.

These matches and indeed all of the games from the Fort Lauderdale Major will be available live on BeachStream. Click here to register and don’t miss them!