We are onto Round 3 at the Australian Open, and Ace is back to preview one of the more exciting contests of the day. Check out his preview and best bet below!
Australian Open Round 3 Betting Tips
J Mensik vs A Davidovich Fokina
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina came from 2 sets down to defeat Felix Auger-Aliassime in round 2. Can the Spaniard cause another upset here against one of the gun teenagers on tour in Jakub Mensik?
There is one thing for sure when you are watching a match that involves Davidovich Fokina: he is going to lose sets he should probably win, and he is also every chance to win sets that he should really be losing. The Spaniard served for the first set, and had a mini break lead in the second set, yet found himself two sets down to Auger-Aliassime, who was fresh off his title in Adelaide. To the Spaniard’s credit, he was exceptional in sets 3 and 4, saved some early break points in set 5, overcame a time violation and point penalty on return, before breaking Auger-Aliassime to love and serving out the match. We have seen the flashes of brilliance from Davidovich-Fokina over the years, it is just about making the most of it and moving deeper into tournaments. He is however I player I prefer to back as an underdog, given the volatility at times.
He faces teenager Jakub Mensik in round 3, with Mensik defeating Casper Ruud in 4 sets in the previous round. The Czech world number 48 was a beneficiary of the roof closing against Ruud, but he made the most of his opportunities to progress. Mensik’s talent is unquestioned, however at the age of 19, there is still some inconsistency in his overall game.
Although I do believe that Mensik is a deserving favourite in this one, I am not sure I can justify his price being quite as short as it is over best of 5 sets against a very talented opponent. I will take Davidovich Fokina to win here for 1.5 units.
Davidovich Fokina to defeat Mensik
$2.75 (1.5 Units)
