LiontipsAjdukovic vs Gasquet. Australian Open match prediction and bets
Command Analysis
Current form
Ajdukovic took part in the Canberra Challenger last week. In that competition, Duse only managed to overcome the starting circle - he beat Facundo Diaz Acosta, but then lost to Joao Fonseca. Last season, the Croatian had 18 wins and 13 losses on open hard courts.
Professional qualities
Ajdukovic builds his game around a powerful forehand, which is his main weapon. On clay courts, he manages to adapt to this shot perfectly and set the tempo of the rally. However, on fast surfaces, the Croatian lacks the speed to take comfortable positions in a timely manner. Duže first serve is quite strong, but unstable. In fast rallies, the Croatian holds his own, but in protracted exchanges he often makes mistakes and loses the initiative.
Current indicators in the tour
Ajdukovic is ranked 142nd in the world. Last season, Duse played in the final of the Challenger in Quimper, where he lost to Pierre-Hugues Herbert. He also reached the semi-finals of the clay tournament in Bastad, where he lost to Rafael Nadal. At the end of the year, the 23-year-old Croatian won the Challenger in Mallorca. This was his tenth career title.
Interesting facts for betting
Ajdukovich last seven matches have ended in straight sets.
Current form
Gasquet started the new season at the tournament in Brisbane. Richard failed to overcome the qualification of that competition - in the first round of the selection he beat Derek Pham, but then lost to Yannick Hanfmann. On open hard courts last season, the Frenchman won 16 times and lost eight times.
Professional qualities
Gasquet has never been a power player, but has always stood out for his brilliant technique and ability to control the course of rallies with precise and clever strikes. His serve does not bring easy points, and his strikes from both sides lack power, but the Frenchman directs the ball perfectly and takes advantage of any mistakes his opponents make. With age, Richard has lost speed and endurance, which significantly reduces his chances in matches with young and physically strong opponents.
Current indicators in the tour
Gasquet is a former world No. 7. However, the 38-year-old Frenchman is currently ranked No. 129 in the world. Last season, Richard managed to add to his trophy collection by winning the tournament in Cassis, where he beat Yuri Rodionov in the final. During his career, Gasquet has won 29 titles, including 16 ATP titles.
Interesting facts for betting
Gasquet has won 4 of his last 6 matches.
Trends
Rate Set Result: 1>2
In 3 of Ajdukovich last 5 matches, events on the court have unfolded according to this scenario
2.22Bet Tie-break in the match - no
This bet has played in 3 of Gasquet last 5 matches
1.84Tip and bets
Gasquet, 38, may not be as fast as he used to be, but his technique is still there. Plus, his experience hasn't gone anywhere, helping the Frenchman stay close to the world top 100. We prefer Richard in this pair. Especially considering that he beat Ajdukovich in two sets in Madrid last season.
Our prediction is Gasquet victory with odds of 1.91
Bet on total
The only face-to-face confrontation between the tennis players took place last season at the Masters in Madrid. In that encounter, Gasquet beat the 23-year-old Croatian in two sets. We expect that the upcoming match between the tennis players will also be a low-scoring one.
The second forecast is total under 23 games for odds of 1.89
Bet on the first set
Three of Gasquet last five matches have seen more than 9.5 games played in the first set. We expect the upcoming match against Ajdukovic to also start with a "top" first set.
Forecast - total over 9.5 games in the first set for odds of 1.61
