Tennis Pick: Jabeur vs. Vondrousova Over 21.5 Games (-110) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
Day four of the Australian Open is here and the second round will be concluded today. Between the mix of heat and rain, it’s been tough for the tournament organizers to stay on schedule. Hopefully, the weather gives us a bit of a break and the tournament can get back on track today.
Looking at tonight’s featured matches we have an excellent matchup between two of the world’s most talented players. Ons Jabeur takes on Marketa Vondrousova. Also, Andy Murray faces Thanasi Kokkinakis. Let’s dive right in and find another winning tennis pick.
American fans of tennis looking to make some bets on the Australian Open can do it at any of these top US betting sites.
Ons Jabeur vs. Marketa Vondrousova
Thursday, January 19, 2023 – 05:00 AM EST at Rod Laver Arena
I wrote about Ons Jabeur earlier this week here at Bookmakers Review. I expected her to steamroll over Tamara Zidansek. That match was much closer than I expected. Jabeur prevailed 7-6, 4-6, 6-1. In the match, Jabeur struggled with her first serve percentage. She only landed 46% of her first serves.
However, her second serve was effective as she managed to win 60% (29-48) of her second serve points. This strong showing on the second serve allowed her to survive a day when her serve was clearly not on. The mark of a good player is to be able to win when you're not playing your best. Jabeur was able to do that in round 1 and she survived to meet round two.
Marketa Vondrousova also had a 3-set match to open her tournament. She defeated Alison Riske 5-7, 6-1, 6-4. This is a good win for Vondrousova as Riske's style of play lends itself well here in Australia. The quick bounces allow her shots to stay low and she can be effective. This was an important win for Vondrousova who is known mainly for her clay court prowess.
Vondrousova comes into the match playing well, she definitely has the talent to put Ons Jabeur to the test. This is going to be a close match, with many ups and downs. Although I expect Jabeur to win, the WTA odds properly reflect that and there is no value there. The best bet for this match is the over 21.5 games. I expect a close contest where Jabeur will not get an easy win.
Tennis Pick: Jabeur vs. Vondrousova Over 21.5 Games (-110) at BetOnline
Andy Murray vs. Thanasi Kokkinakis
Thursday, January 19, 2023 – 04:15 AM EST at Margaret Court Arena
Andy Murray opened his Australian Open tournament in an impressive fashion defeating last year's finalist Matteo Berrettini in five sets. Murray was able to grind out a 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-7, 7-6 win. The match showed that even though he is in the twilight of his career, Murray is still a grinder who will give any player problems. Today Murray faces a similar style against Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Thanasi Kokkinakis had the opposite type of match on for his first round. He rolled 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 against mercurial Italian player Fabio Fognini. For Kokkinakis to defeat such a solid player as Fognini bodes well for his tournament here in his home of Australia. Thanasi Kokkinakis can blast his first serve and will put Murray's elite return skills to test.
The key to this match will be Murray's ability to return the Australian's strong serves. If Murray is able to put Kokkinakis' first serves in play and take advantage of the second serve to create break opportunities, he can score another upset. If Kokkinakis continues to land first serves at a high percentage and keep Murray on his heels, he should get an easy win.
It's hard to see Murray putting forth 2 grueling performances in a row. That five-setter took a lot of energy from the older player, and as elite as Murray's commitment to his fitness is, it's going to be hard for him to bounce back against another big server. Thanasi Kokkinakis comes into the match in excellent form. While Murray is the bigger name, Kokkinakis is playing better right now.
As great as the story of Andy Murray is, and as good as he is for the tennis world, I believe his Australian Open ends here. Thanasi Kokkinakis will be too much for Murray today and the ATP odds also show that. Our second bet for the day is Thanasi Kokkinakis -2.5 games.
Tennis Pick: Thanasi Kokkinakis -2.5 Games (-110) at Bookmaker (visit our Bookmaker Review)
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