LiontipsNishikori vs Paul. Australian Open match prediction and bets
Command Analysis
Current form
Nishikori started the Australian Open with a win over Thiago Monteiro (4-6, 6-7, 7-5, 6-2, 6-3). Kei hit 17 aces, converted five break points and lost one game on his serve against the Brazilian. This season, the Japanese has won five of six matches on open hard courts.
Professional qualities
Nishikori is a versatile and extremely versatile player who can successfully perform on all types of surfaces. His technique and tactical thinking allow the Japanese to adapt to any opponents and situations on the court. Kei is known for his discipline, endurance and hard work, which is a characteristic feature of many Asian players. The Japanese is especially strong on hard, where his accurate serve and minimal number of unforced errors create serious problems for his opponents.
Current indicators in the tour
Nishikori was once the world fourth-ranked player, but is currently ranked 76th in the world. The Japanese has won 22 trophies in his career, 12 of which are ATP titles. Last year, Kei won the Helsinki Indoor Challenger.
Interesting facts for betting
Nishikori has suffered only one defeat in his last six matches.
Current form
Paul dealt with Christopher O'Connell (6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7, 7-5) in the first round of the Australian Open. During the match, Tommy served 15 aces, converted six break points and lost two games on his serve. The American has three wins in four matches on open hard courts this season.
Professional qualities
Paul is a bright representative of the classic American school of tennis. His style of play is based on a powerful serve, a strong forehand and quality approaches to the net. At the same time, Tommy knows how to maintain a high tempo of play on the back line and easily change the direction of his shots, which makes him a dangerous opponent on fast surfaces. The American prefers to dominate matches against weaker opponents, imposing his style and dictating the conditions on the court.
Current indicators in the tour
Paul is currently ranked 11th in the world. The American has won 14 trophies in his career, four of which are ATP titles. Last year, Tommy won indoor competitions in Dallas and Stockholm. He also won grass court competitions in London.
Interesting facts for betting
Paul has won 10 of his last 11 matches against players over 30.
Trends
Rate Set Result: 1>2
In 3 of Nishikori last 5 matches, events on the court have unfolded according to this scenario
2.27Bet Tie-break in the match - yes
This bet has paid off in 3 of Paul last 5 matches
1.75Tip and bets
It is obvious that Nishikori is tired. After the final at the tournament in Hong Kong, the Japanese had very little time to properly rest before the start in Melbourne. Hence the difficult five-set match against Monteiro. Kei coped with the Brazilian, but he is unlikely to survive in a protracted match against Paul.
Our prediction is Paul victory with a handicap of (-4) games at odds of 1.83
Bet on total
Nishikori and Paul have met each other before in their careers. Their face-to-face encounter was played in three sets. Most likely, the upcoming match between them will also be a drawn-out one.
The second betting tip is total over 37 games for odds of 1.84
Bet on the first set
Three of Paul last five matches have seen the first set go to 9.5+ games, and we expect his upcoming encounter with Nishikori to start with a similarly high first set.
Betting Tip - total over 9.5 games in the first set for odds of 1.87
