Croatia take on Austria in a Davis Cup qualifier with home advantage for the Croats. Croatian Captain Vedran Martic has chosen an indoor hard court for the tie.
Davis Cup Predictions: Croatia vs Austria
Borna Coric vs Dennis Novak
Coric is the higher ranked of these two players, being in the Top 30. Novak, on the other hand, is just inside the Top 145. Neither have played each other before. The choice of ground will be a factor certainly in this match. Coric has yet to play an indoor hard court this season, whereas Novak has played two. The Austrian has won one and lost one. As the Austrian #2, Novak has nothing to lose and could spring a surprise here.
Prediction: Coric in 3
Borna Gojo vs Dominic Thiem
This is where the Croatians hope the choice of hard court really pays off for them. Gojo hasn’t played on hard court yet this season, but Austrian #1 Thiem has. However, Thiem has lost both the matches he has played on hard courts. Playing against a “hostile” home crowd Thiem although the higher ranked will have his work cut out to get this one in the bag
Prediction: Gojo in 3
Borna Gojo vs Dennis Novak
A crucial, yet evenly matched singles. Both have very even stats on the choice of surface. Before the Davis Cup tie, both had won one and lost one on indoor hard. The pressure will be on both players, although Gojo will have the crowd behind him, willing him to win. Novak will want to get a win for his country and will feel the pressure of the occasion, but cannot let that effect him.
Prediction: Novak in 3
Borna Coric vs Dominic Thiem
Reverse singles. The court surface again could be instrumental and based on this season so far the Croatian will be the favourite for the win. However, Thiem has one advantage going into this. He leads the head to head 3-2. Crucially one of those was on indoor hard. This should give the Austrian confidence against his opponent, even with his poor hard court season so far.
Prediction: Thiem in 3
The doubles will likely be the deciding match in this Croatia vs Austria tie.
Main Photo from Getty.
