ATP Australian Open 1/32-Finals
Martinez – Zverev: 15.01.2025 10:30 CEST
H2H: 0-1
Pablo Martinez has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Auckland, Pablo lost in the opening round against Monfils in three sets. Here in Melbourne, Pablo won the first set against Darderi 6-3. Trailing 1-4 in the second set, Martinez retired with what seemed like a chest injury. Pedro, a Spaniard, had his biggest results on clay courts. Last year in the Australian Open, Martinez lost in the first qualifying round against Passaro in straight sets.
Alexander Zverev has won four of his last five matches. So far this season, Sascha has only played in the United Cup, winning both matches. In his opening match here in Melbourne, Sascha defeated Pouille in straight sets. He offered and saved two breakpoints and was solid under pressure. Last year in Melbourne, Alexander was 2-0 up against Medvedev in the semifinals. Daniil turned the match around. That semifinal match was also his most significant result in the Australian Open. He also reached the semifinals in 2020, losing against Thiem in four tight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Zverev is the huge favorite in this matchup, and we partially agree. Pablo Martinez played solidly in his opening match against Darderi. He always puts up a big fight, so we expect him to do so against Zverev as well. We believe that Martinez will keep this match tighter than the bookies think.
That being said, Martinez covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Pablo Martinez +8.5 games handicap @2.00 @bet365
Draper – Kokkinakis: 15/01/2025 09:00 CEST
H2H: 2-1
Jack Draper has won four of his last five matches. The last match he played before the Australian Open was the previous year in Paris. In the opening Australian Open round, Jack defeated Navone in five tight sets. He trailed 1-2 but successfully turned the match around. Jack was injured at the beginning of the season with a hip injury. He was due to compete for Great Britain in the United Cup but withdrew from the tournament. Last year in Australia, Draper reached the second round, losing against Tommy Paul in four tight sets.
Thanasi Kokkinakis has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Adelaide, Kokkinakis reached the quarterfinals, withdrawing from his quarterfinal clash against Korda. However, only five days later, Kokkinakis looked fit on the court in his opening Australian Open match. Thanasi lost the opening set against Safiullin 3-6. However, with the help of the packed crowd, Kokkinakkis successfully turned the match around, eventually winning in four sets. Last year in Melbourne, Kokkinakis reached the second round, losing against Dimitrov in four sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Draper is the favorite in this matchup, but we disagree. Jack struggled in the opening round against Navone, a clay-court specialist. On the other hand, Kokkinakis had several solid matches this season. We expect a tight match that could go either way.
That being said, Kokkinakis covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Thanasi Kokkinakis +3.5 games handicap @1.91 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
