LiontipsHolt vs McDonald. Australian Open match prediction and bets
Command Analysis
Current form
Holt defeated Gianluca Mager (7-6, 6-2) in the first round of the Australian Open qualification. In the match against the Italian, Brandon served ten aces, converted two break points and did not lose a single game on his serve. The American has two wins in three matches this season.
Professional qualities
Holt is another American tennis player with a penchant for hard courts. He has a good serve and a great forehand, which allows him to win easy points. Brandon is strong in movement and defense, which allows him to confidently keep the ball in play on the baseline. However, his tactical flexibility and mental stability still leave much to be desired.
Current indicators in the tour
Holt is ranked 204th in the world. Last season, the American managed to add one more tournament to his trophy case - in March, he won one of the futures held on open hard. Brandon now has eight trophies won in his career.
Interesting facts for betting
Holt has played tiebreakers in all three matches he has played this season.
Current form
McDonald beat Alex Bolt (6-2, 6-2) in the first round of the Australian Open qualification. Mackenzie served four aces, converted four break points and did not lose a single game on his serve. This was the American's first victory this season.
Professional qualities
McDonald can play quality tennis with a great forehand, good movement and a soft feel for the ball. However, over the long haul he lacks the consistency and physicality to maintain a high level of play throughout the season. There are also questions about his mental stability – the California native often flounders under pressure or after a series of unsuccessful rallies.
Current indicators in the tour
McDonald was once ranked 37th in the world, but is now outside the top 100 at 130th. Last season was quite good for the Americans. He won one title towards the end of the year - he won the Shenzhen Challenger, in the final of which Mackenzie beat Arthur Cazeau. For him, it was the sixth trophy in his career.
Interesting facts for betting
McDonald has won his last seven matches in straight sets.
Trends
Rate Set Result: 1>2
In 3 of Holt's last 5 matches, events on the court have unfolded according to this scenario
2.27Bet Tie-break in the match - no
That bet has played in 3 of McDonald's last 5 games
1.61Tip and bets
MacDonald seems set to break into the main draw of the Australian Open. The American played his opening match against Bolt at the highest level. If MacKenzie plays the same match against Holt, his opponent will have almost no chance of success.
Our prediction is McDonald's victory with a handicap of (-3) games at odds of 1.79
Bet on total
Holt serves well and plays a tie-break in almost every match. However, Mackenzie is an experienced tennis player with a good return and we think that Brandon's serve will not be a serious problem for him.
The second betting tip is total under 22 games for odds of 1.96
Bet on the first set
Three of McDonald's last five matches have seen the first set go to fewer than 9.5 games, and his upcoming encounter with Holt is likely to start with a low first set as well.
Betting Tip - total under 9.5 games in the first set for odds of 1.95
