Australian Open Day 4 Predictions Taylor Fritz vs. Alexei Popyrin, Casper Ruud vs. Jenson Brooksby
Australian Open Day 4 Predictions Taylor Fritz vs. Alexei Popyrin, Casper Ruud vs. Jenson Brooksby
The Men’s Draw of the Australian Open experienced its first shocking result overnight, as No. 2 seed Rafael Nadal lost in straight sets to American Mackenzie McDonald. Even though Nadal entered the major with just one win in his previous six matches, he was a top-three favorite to secure his record 23rd Grand Slam title, but now seemingly has a long road to recovery after battling through injuries in this defeat.
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Are we in store for more upsets today? Tennis expert Mike Spector breaks down two more matches involving men seeded ninth or better at the Australian Open.
Taylor Fritz vs. Alexei Popyrin Prediction
- Date: Wednesday, January 18
- Time: 11:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN+
Click here for Fritz vs. Popyrin odds
Taylor Fritz won three titles in 2022 and led Team USA to victory at the United Cup leading up to this tournament. While Fritz was pushed somewhat in his opening round by Nikiloz Basilashvili, needing four sets to advance, that pales in comparison to the five-set marathon that Alexei Popyrin had to endure, which saw him on the court for nearly four-and-a-half hours.
Fritz has won the first set in each of his previous 18 Grand Slam main draw matches. In addition, he will not be intimidating with the crowd against him, as he is 8-0 in his last eight ATP main draw matches against opponents from Australia, and has covered the game spread in seven of those. Popyrin had a two-match losing streak entering this tournament, and we expect Fritz to make quick work of him in this one.
Taylor Fritz vs. Alexei Popyrin Pick
PICK: Taylor Fritz to beat Alexei Popryin in straight sets (-115) Bet $100 to collect $186 Best odds available at DraftKings, click here to bet
Casper Ruud vs. Jenson Brooksby Prediction
- Date: Wednesday, January 18
- Time: 8:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN+
Click here for Ruud vs. Brooksby odds
DraftKings’ moneyline odds in this matchup suggest that No. 2 seed Casper Ruud could be the next high-seeded victim on the Men’s side. Ruud beat Brooksby in straight sets on clay in 2022 in Rome, but the American has the game and weapons to compete with Ruud on the hard surface. Ruud has already looked wobbly in this tournament, dropping a set in his opening-round match to the No. 115 player in the world. Meanwhile, Brooksby made the semifinals at Auckland before losing to Cameron Norrie. Brooksby is tricky, unconventional, and possesses a big enough serve to frustrate Ruud. While Brooksby’s +210 moneyline odds are appealing, we are instead backing the Over in total games played, as this should be a marathon.
Casper Ruud vs. Jenson Brooksby Pick
PICK: Over 37.5 total games played (-120) Bet $100 to collect $183 Best odds available at DraftKings, click here to bet