ATP Australian Open qualification quarterfinals
Tomic – Kovalik: 07.01.2025 01:30 CEST
H2H: 2-0
Bernard Tomic has lost three of his last five matches. Last season, Bernard spent most of the season playing at the Challenger Tour level. He hopes to qualify for the main draw of the Australian Open and get back into the top 200 in the rankings. However, he lacks confidence, as he told the media a couple of days ago: “I wouldn’t say I am feeling comfortable for the Australian Open.” In his last competitive match, Bernard lost against Brouwer in straight sets at the Challenger tournament in Noumea.
Jozef Kovalik has lost three of his last five matches. His last competitive match was in Belgrade over two months ago, when he failed to qualify for the main draw tournament. So far this season, Jozek has not played any competitive matches. Kovalik spent most of the 2024 season playing at the Challenger Tour level. Last year in Melbourne, he lost in the first qualifying round against Bellucci in three tight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Tomic is the slight favorite in this matchup, but we disagree. He lacks confidence and discipline. On the other hand, Kovalik has always been a big professional. We expect him to be well-prepared for his first match of the season.
That being said, Kovalik winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Jozef Kovalik winning @2.10 @bet365
Fucsovics – Roca Batalla: 07.01.2025 01:30 CEST
H2H: 1-0
Marton Fucsovics has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Noumea, Marton played a challenger tournament. He reached the quarterfinals, where he was upset by Bouzige in straight sets. Marton is currently ranked at 100 in the world. Last season was a somewhat disappointing season for him. Last year in Melbourne, Fucsovics entered the main draw without having to play in the qualifying tournament. He lost in the first main draw round against Dimitrov in four tight sets. Marton loves to play in Australia. His best reason was reaching the fourth round twice and losing both times against Federer.
Oriol Roca Batalla has lost four of his last five matches. His last win was over two months ago in Lima on clay. Being a Spaniard, Oriol rarely played on fast courts like this one. His last hard-court win was almost over a year ago. Roca Batalla never had any success in the Grand Slam tournaments. Last year in Australia, Oriol reached the second qualifying round, eventually losing against Vit Kopriva in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Fucsovics is the big favorite in this match, and we agree. Marton is currently out of form but is still a way better hard-court player than Roca Batalla. Fucsovics will dominate on his serve. On the other hand, Oriol has a weak serve, so we expect Fucsovics to dominate on his return as well.
That being said, Fucsovics winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Marton Fucsovics winning 2-0 @1.57 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
