ATP Australian Open 1/16-Finals
Lehecka – Bonzi: 17.01.2025 06:00 CEST
H2H: 1-1
Jiri Lehecka has won seven straight matches. Last week in Brisbane, Lehecka won the title. Here in Melbourne, Lehecka had a favorable draw so far. In the opening round, Jiri defeated Tu in four sets. Jiri did not give a brilliant performance. Yesterday, in the second round, Lehecka won the opening set 6-3 against Gaston. Hugo trailed 1-3 in the second set when he decided to retire. Last year in Melbourne, Lehecka was upset by Michelsen in the second round, losing in four sets.
Benjamin Bonzi has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Adelaide, Bonzi reached the quarterfinals, losing against Kecmanovic in straight sets as we predicted. In the opening round of the Australian Open, Bonzi defeated Goffin in straight sets, as we predicted. Yesterday, in the second round, Benjamin defeated Passaro in four sets. His best result here in Melbourne happened in 2023, when he reached the third round, losing against de Minaur in straight sets. Last year, Bonzi lost in the opening round of the Australian Open against Musetti in four sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Lehecka is the big favorite in this matchup, but we disagree. Bonzi played two solid matches in Melbourne this week. We expect a very tight match that could go either way.
That being said, Bonzi covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Benjamin Bonzi +4.5 games handicap @1.83 @bet365
Borges – Alcaraz: 17.01.2025 04:00 CEST
H2H: 0-1
Nuno Borges has won four of his last five matches. Last week in Auckland, Borges reached the semifinals, losing against Bergs in three tight sets, as we predicted. In the opening Australian Open round, Borges won against Muller in four sets after losing the first set 6-7. Nuno lost his serve only once in the whole match. Yesterday, in the second round, Borges dominated against Thompson, winning in straight sets. Last year in Melbourne, Nuno reached the fourth round, losing against Medvedev in four sets.
Carlos Alcaraz has won four of his last five matches. The last match he played before the Australian Open was the previous year in the Davis Cup, winning against Griekspoor in straight sets. Here in Melbourne, Carlos dominated against Shevchenko in the opening round, winning in easy straight sets. Carlos demolished Nishioka in straight sets in the second round, as we predicted. Alcaraz had a great 2024 season, winning two Grand Slam titles. Last year in Melbourne, Carlos reached the quarterfinals, losing against Zverev in four sets. Alcaraz never had any success in Australia. Reaching the quarterfinals is also his best result in the Australian Open.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Alcaraz is the huge favorite in this matchup, and we agree. Carlos was lethal in his first two matches at the Australian Open this week. We believe that he is a way better hard-court player than Borges, and we expect him to dominate in this match.
That being said, Alcaraz covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Carlos Alcaraz -8.5 games handicap @1.91 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
