neilovan

For me a very difficult, unpredictable Aussie open.
How many people see Dimitrov losing to Borges, or Norrie beating an in form Ruud?
Regardless of how well Tsitsipas plays, his 1 handed backhand is just such an average shot. Fritz can more than match him, and the key matchup between his 2 handed backhand and Tsitsi's 1 hander may be the difference.  Serving wise, Fritz has the edge, and I think he just comes out on top.
I fancy de Minaur to beat Rublev. Andre is just too emotional. He gets so infuriated on the court, and it distracts and wastes energy. The crowd will largely be against Rublev, and I think this 'Davis Cup' type atmosphere will have an effect. Two very similar players, but for me de Minuar has the edge physically. He has also played 9 sets, dropping more than 3 games in a set just once. So he should be a lot fresher. He cleaned up Arnaldi and Coboli, and was done quickly with Raonic in a W/O in 1st round.
 
 

For me a very difficult, unpredictable Aussie open.
How many people see Dimitrov losing to Borges, or Norrie beating an in form Ruud?
Regardless of how well Tsitsipas plays, his 1 handed backhand is just such an average shot. Fritz can more than match him, and the key matchup between his 2 handed backhand and Tsitsi's 1 hander may be the difference.  Serving wise, Fritz has the edge, and I think he just comes out on top.
I fancy de Minaur to beat Rublev. Andre is just too emotional. He gets so infuriated on the court, and it distracts and wastes energy. The crowd will largely be against Rublev, and I think this 'Davis Cup' type atmosphere will have an effect. Two very similar players, but for me de Minuar has the edge physically. He has also played 9 sets, dropping more than 3 games in a set just once. So he should be a lot fresher. He cleaned up Arnaldi and Coboli, and was done quickly with Raonic in a W/O in 1st round.
 
 

I think Djokovic is vulnerable. Realistically he has played 2 rank outsiders. Prizmic is ranked around 175 and Popyrin is 48. The Djoko of old would just win both these matches 3-0. I think age has caught up with him a little, and he has an extra 2 sets in his legs that he didn't need. For me Etcheverry is much better than both Popyrin and Prizmic. He has won both his Aussie Open matches in straight sets.  
I went to work in Argentina in the early 2000's and was amazed at how many clay court facilities there were (in Buenos Aires). Lot's of kids hitting balls, facilites for free, coaches provided. As a kid you could play hours a day for no cost. It's a system that produces very solid, strong  players. Growing up and playing on clay does that. High levels of fitness, and solid ground strokes (as the ball bounces slower).
For me Djoko is not the greatest player ever, but he is the greatest 'recoverer'. He understands his body, and how to recover properly to 100%. Most of his opponents don't.  For me there is no doubt that this recovery is slower now, at his more advanced age. It is less of  a factor. A slightly fatigued Djoko at age 36 vs a rock solid 24 year old in the prime of his life... I think this goes to the wire and Etcheverry is worth a punt at 11-1. The handicap +7.5 also looks OK at 1.83
I was super impressed with Arthur Cazaux against Rune. This kid can play. Strong and tall, with a cannon for a serve. Moves very well and has a solid temprament. Rune is tricky, but he swatted him aside. It is a top win against a top 10 opponent. Not sure why he is the underdog against Griekspoor on Sat but I think he wins here.
I watched the Pegula v Burel match, and it was amazing how Burel just wiped her out. Pegula got so frustrated and her body language and mind just crumbled. And it is no fluke. Burel was world junior #1, so she has game, very good technique and the ability to problem solve on court. The only thing that was slighly lacking was physical strength, which will grow as she gets older. I think she wins quite easily against Dodin in the all French affair.
Will continue to back Navarro, and I think she wins against Yastremska. Just on such a winning streak, against an inconsistent opponent. Burel and Navarro as a double for me. 
 

I think Djokovic is vulnerable. Realistically he has played 2 rank outsiders. Prizmic is ranked around 175 and Popyrin is 48. The Djoko of old would just win both these matches 3-0. I think age has caught up with him a little, and he has an extra 2 sets in his legs that he didn't need. For me Etcheverry is much better than both Popyrin and Prizmic. He has won both his Aussie Open matches in straight sets.  
I went to work in Argentina in the early 2000's and was amazed at how many clay court facilities there were (in Buenos Aires). Lot's of kids hitting balls, facilites for free, coaches provided. As a kid you could play hours a day for no cost. It's a system that produces very solid, strong  players. Growing up and playing on clay does that. High levels of fitness, and solid ground strokes (as the ball bounces slower).
For me Djoko is not the greatest player ever, but he is the greatest 'recoverer'. He understands his body, and how to recover properly to 100%. Most of his opponents don't.  For me there is no doubt that this recovery is slower now, at his more advanced age. It is less of  a factor. A slightly fatigued Djoko at age 36 vs a rock solid 24 year old in the prime of his life... I think this goes to the wire and Etcheverry is worth a punt at 11-1. The handicap +7.5 also looks OK at 1.83
I was super impressed with Arthur Cazaux against Rune. This kid can play. Strong and tall, with a cannon for a serve. Moves very well and has a solid temprament. Rune is tricky, but he swatted him aside. It is a top win against a top 10 opponent. Not sure why he is the underdog against Griekspoor on Sat but I think he wins here.
I watched the Pegula v Burel match, and it was amazing how Burel just wiped her out. Pegula got so frustrated and her body language and mind just crumbled. And it is no fluke. Burel was world junior #1, so she has game, very good technique and the ability to problem solve on court. The only thing that was slighly lacking was physical strength, which will grow as she gets older. I think she wins quite easily against Dodin in the all French affair.
Will continue to back Navarro, and I think she wins against Yastremska. Just on such a winning streak, against an inconsistent opponent. Burel and Navarro as a double for me. 
 

I think Djokovic is vulnerable. Realistically he has played 2 rank outsiders. Prizmic is ranked around 175 and Popyrin is 48. The Djoko of old would just win both these matches 3-0. I think age has caught up with him a little, and he has an extra 2 sets in his legs that he didn't need. For me Etcheverry is much better than both Popyrin and Prizmic. He has won both his Aussie Open matches in straight sets.  
I went to work in Argentina in the early 2000's and was amazed at how many clay court facilities there were (in Buenos Aires). Lot's of kids hitting balls, facilites for free, coaches provided. As a kid you could play hours a day for no cost. It's a system that produces very solid, strong  players. Growing up and playing on clay does that. High levels of fitness, and solid ground strokes (as the ball bounces slower).
For me Djoko is not the greatest player ever, but he is the greatest 'recoverer'. He understands his body, and how to recover properly to 100%. Most of his opponents don't.  For me there is no doubt that this recovery is slower now, at his more advanced age. It is less of  a factor. A slightly fatigued Djoko at age 36 vs a rock solid 24 year old in the prime of his life... I think this goes to the wire and Etcheverry is worth a punt at 11-1. The handicap +7.5 also looks OK at 1.83
I was super impressed with Arthur Cazaux against Rune. This kid can play. Strong and tall, with a cannon for a serve. Moves very well and has a solid temprament. Rune is tricky, but he swatted him aside. It is a top win against a top 10 opponent. Not sure why he is the underdog against Griekspoor on Sat but I think he wins here.
I watched the Pegula v Burel match, and it was amazing how Burel just wiped her out. Pegula got so frustrated and her body language and mind just crumbled. And it is no fluke. Burel was world junior #1, so she has game, very good technique and the ability to problem solve on court. The only thing that was slighly lacking was physical strength, which will grow as she gets older. I think she wins quite easily against Dodin in the all French affair.
Will continue to back Navarro, and I think she wins against Yastremska. Just on such a winning streak, against an inconsistent opponent. Burel and Navarro as a double for me. 
 

Game on with Tomljanovic. No love lost there.3rd set should be interesting. Medvedev also battling with Ruusuvouri, and Hurkacz down 2 -1 .  Maybe the overcast conditions slowing the ball down a bit. 

Game on with Tomljanovic. No love lost there.3rd set should be interesting. Medvedev also battling with Ruusuvouri, and Hurkacz down 2 -1 .  Maybe the overcast conditions slowing the ball down a bit. 

Tough pickings this Aussie Open. Bookmakers are not giving much away. Crazy low odds all over the place.
I would rather be taking a few outsiders as singles than betting a very low piced fav.
 
I do like Mertens for the straight win against Kostyuk. Kostyuk playing better, but still losing against the players she is expected to lose against.
It's like her game is good, but she can't get to the next level. For me any woman who is playing 'atypical tennis' needs attention. That is solid 1st serve and good 1st strike tennis, and Mertens falls into this group. 
 
I'm not feeling to much strength for Haddad-Maia. Played 3 warm up games and has been properly beaten twice. I don't think her confidence is soaring.
Date Winner   Odds Loser   Odds   Score 2024-01-15 Haddad Maia B.   1.25  Fruhvirtova L.   4.03 6-2 3-6 6-2 2024-01-08 Pavlyuchenkova A.   2.21  Haddad Maia B.   1.66 6-3 6-4 2023-12-30 Swiatek I.   1.12  Haddad Maia B.   6.04 6-2 6-2 Her opponent is probably the best junior player in the world. Born in 2007 (lol), Alina Korneeva could cause a shock here. She qualified and is on a 4 match winning streak, beating Sorribes Tormo in the previous round (3 sets coming from a set down against a road runner). So she has the physicality. Korneeva is like Juncheng Shang - top ITF junior in the world, winning junior Grand Slam at French and Australia.
 
I'm not too impressed with Jabeur. Looks slightly undercooked to me and is up against an opponent (Mira Andreeva) who is in great form. She had a seriously good Brisbane international. I quite like the 6-1 and 6-2 sets. For me it indicates very good ground strokes, and somebody who is getting on top of opponents, and then putting them away. For me Andreeva with the straight win.
Date    Winner   Odds    Loser Odds Score 2024-01-15   Andreeva M.   1.17   Pera B. 5.11 7-5 6-2 2024-01-12   Andreeva M.   1.56   Collins D. 2.31 7-6 6-1 2024-01-05   Noskova L.   3.96   Andreeva M. 1.25 7-5 6-3 2024-01-04   Andreeva M.   1.08     Rodionova A. 8.01 6-1 6-1 2024-01-03   Andreeva M.   1.81   Samsonova L. 1.99 6-2 6-1 2023-12-31   Andreeva M.   1.22   Shnaider D. 4.26 6-2 6-3  
For a low odds 2 legged fav I like Emma Navarro, who is on a serious run of form. Only around 4 to 10 but it looks like 1 way traffic to me against Cocciaretto. My 2nd leg would be Shelton (who had a comfortable 1st round) over O'Connell who had to win in 5, winning the last 2 sets. Not sure O'Connell will have recovered, as a tough 5 setter is a leg killer so early in a tournament.
Date Winner Odds Loser Odds Score 2024-01-13   Navarro E.   2.09 Mertens E. 1.74 6-1 4-6 7-5 2024-01-12   Navarro E.   1.36 Yuan Y. 3.17 6-4 6-3 2024-01-11   Navarro E.   1.26 Tomova V. 3.80 4-6 6-3 6-2 2024-01-10   Navarro E.   1.48 Frech M. 2.66 6-3 6-3 2024-01-09   Navarro E.   1.68 Burel C. 2.18 4-6 6-3 6-3 2024-01-06   Gauff C.   1.10 Navarro E. 7.05 6-3 6-1 2024-01-05   Navarro E.   1.78 Martic P. 2.03 6-4 6-3 2024-01-03   Navarro E.   1.22 Avanesyan E. 4.21 6-1 6-2 2024-01-01   Navarro E.   1.40 Fruhvirtova L. 2.97 2-6 6-4 6-2 When you see a player who is beating players, who themselves are winning matches, it is a clear show of strength.  
Good luck.
 

Tough pickings this Aussie Open. Bookmakers are not giving much away. Crazy low odds all over the place.
I would rather be taking a few outsiders as singles than betting a very low piced fav.
 
I do like Mertens for the straight win against Kostyuk. Kostyuk playing better, but still losing against the players she is expected to lose against.
It's like her game is good, but she can't get to the next level. For me any woman who is playing 'atypical tennis' needs attention. That is solid 1st serve and good 1st strike tennis, and Mertens falls into this group. 
 
I'm not feeling to much strength for Haddad-Maia. Played 3 warm up games and has been properly beaten twice. I don't think her confidence is soaring.
Date Winner   Odds Loser   Odds   Score 2024-01-15 Haddad Maia B.   1.25  Fruhvirtova L.   4.03 6-2 3-6 6-2 2024-01-08 Pavlyuchenkova A.   2.21  Haddad Maia B.   1.66 6-3 6-4 2023-12-30 Swiatek I.   1.12  Haddad Maia B.   6.04 6-2 6-2 Her opponent is probably the best junior player in the world. Born in 2007 (lol), Alina Korneeva could cause a shock here. She qualified and is on a 4 match winning streak, beating Sorribes Tormo in the previous round (3 sets coming from a set down against a road runner). So she has the physicality. Korneeva is like Juncheng Shang - top ITF junior in the world, winning junior Grand Slam at French and Australia.
 
I'm not too impressed with Jabeur. Looks slightly undercooked to me and is up against an opponent (Mira Andreeva) who is in great form. She had a seriously good Brisbane international. I quite like the 6-1 and 6-2 sets. For me it indicates very good ground strokes, and somebody who is getting on top of opponents, and then putting them away. For me Andreeva with the straight win.
Date    Winner   Odds    Loser Odds Score 2024-01-15   Andreeva M.   1.17   Pera B. 5.11 7-5 6-2 2024-01-12   Andreeva M.   1.56   Collins D. 2.31 7-6 6-1 2024-01-05   Noskova L.   3.96   Andreeva M. 1.25 7-5 6-3 2024-01-04   Andreeva M.   1.08     Rodionova A. 8.01 6-1 6-1 2024-01-03   Andreeva M.   1.81   Samsonova L. 1.99 6-2 6-1 2023-12-31   Andreeva M.   1.22   Shnaider D. 4.26 6-2 6-3  
For a low odds 2 legged fav I like Emma Navarro, who is on a serious run of form. Only around 4 to 10 but it looks like 1 way traffic to me against Cocciaretto. My 2nd leg would be Shelton (who had a comfortable 1st round) over O'Connell who had to win in 5, winning the last 2 sets. Not sure O'Connell will have recovered, as a tough 5 setter is a leg killer so early in a tournament.
Date Winner Odds Loser Odds Score 2024-01-13   Navarro E.   2.09 Mertens E. 1.74 6-1 4-6 7-5 2024-01-12   Navarro E.   1.36 Yuan Y. 3.17 6-4 6-3 2024-01-11   Navarro E.   1.26 Tomova V. 3.80 4-6 6-3 6-2 2024-01-10   Navarro E.   1.48 Frech M. 2.66 6-3 6-3 2024-01-09   Navarro E.   1.68 Burel C. 2.18 4-6 6-3 6-3 2024-01-06   Gauff C.   1.10 Navarro E. 7.05 6-3 6-1 2024-01-05   Navarro E.   1.78 Martic P. 2.03 6-4 6-3 2024-01-03   Navarro E.   1.22 Avanesyan E. 4.21 6-1 6-2 2024-01-01   Navarro E.   1.40 Fruhvirtova L. 2.97 2-6 6-4 6-2 When you see a player who is beating players, who themselves are winning matches, it is a clear show of strength.  
Good luck.
 

Tough pickings this Aussie Open. Bookmakers are not giving much away. Crazy low odds all over the place.
I would rather be taking a few outsiders as singles than betting a very low piced fav.
 
I do like Mertens for the straight win against Kostyuk. Kostyuk playing better, but still losing against the players she is expected to lose against.
It's like her game is good, but she can't get to the next level. For me any woman who is playing 'atypical tennis' needs attention. That is solid 1st serve and good 1st strike tennis, and Mertens falls into this group. 
 
I'm not feeling to much strength for Haddad-Maia. Played 3 warm up games and has been properly beaten twice. I don't think her confidence is soaring.
Date Winner   Odds Loser   Odds   Score 2024-01-15 Haddad Maia B.   1.25  Fruhvirtova L.   4.03 6-2 3-6 6-2 2024-01-08 Pavlyuchenkova A.   2.21  Haddad Maia B.   1.66 6-3 6-4 2023-12-30 Swiatek I.   1.12  Haddad Maia B.   6.04 6-2 6-2 Her opponent is probably the best junior player in the world. Born in 2007 (lol), Alina Korneeva could cause a shock here. She qualified and is on a 4 match winning streak, beating Sorribes Tormo in the previous round (3 sets coming from a set down against a road runner). So she has the physicality. Korneeva is like Juncheng Shang - top ITF junior in the world, winning junior Grand Slam at French and Australia.
 
I'm not too impressed with Jabeur. Looks slightly undercooked to me and is up against an opponent (Mira Andreeva) who is in great form. She had a seriously good Brisbane international. I quite like the 6-1 and 6-2 sets. For me it indicates very good ground strokes, and somebody who is getting on top of opponents, and then putting them away. For me Andreeva with the straight win.
Date    Winner   Odds    Loser Odds Score 2024-01-15   Andreeva M.   1.17   Pera B. 5.11 7-5 6-2 2024-01-12   Andreeva M.   1.56   Collins D. 2.31 7-6 6-1 2024-01-05   Noskova L.   3.96   Andreeva M. 1.25 7-5 6-3 2024-01-04   Andreeva M.   1.08     Rodionova A. 8.01 6-1 6-1 2024-01-03   Andreeva M.   1.81   Samsonova L. 1.99 6-2 6-1 2023-12-31   Andreeva M.   1.22   Shnaider D. 4.26 6-2 6-3  
For a low odds 2 legged fav I like Emma Navarro, who is on a serious run of form. Only around 4 to 10 but it looks like 1 way traffic to me against Cocciaretto. My 2nd leg would be Shelton (who had a comfortable 1st round) over O'Connell who had to win in 5, winning the last 2 sets. Not sure O'Connell will have recovered, as a tough 5 setter is a leg killer so early in a tournament.
Date Winner Odds Loser Odds Score 2024-01-13   Navarro E.   2.09 Mertens E. 1.74 6-1 4-6 7-5 2024-01-12   Navarro E.   1.36 Yuan Y. 3.17 6-4 6-3 2024-01-11   Navarro E.   1.26 Tomova V. 3.80 4-6 6-3 6-2 2024-01-10   Navarro E.   1.48 Frech M. 2.66 6-3 6-3 2024-01-09   Navarro E.   1.68 Burel C. 2.18 4-6 6-3 6-3 2024-01-06   Gauff C.   1.10 Navarro E. 7.05 6-3 6-1 2024-01-05   Navarro E.   1.78 Martic P. 2.03 6-4 6-3 2024-01-03   Navarro E.   1.22 Avanesyan E. 4.21 6-1 6-2 2024-01-01   Navarro E.   1.40 Fruhvirtova L. 2.97 2-6 6-4 6-2 When you see a player who is beating players, who themselves are winning matches, it is a clear show of strength.  
Good luck.
 

Tough pickings this Aussie Open. Bookmakers are not giving much away. Crazy low odds all over the place.
I would rather be taking a few outsiders as singles than betting a very low piced fav.
 
I do like Mertens for the straight win against Kostyuk. Kostyuk playing better, but still losing against the players she is expected to lose against.
It's like her game is good, but she can't get to the next level. For me any woman who is playing 'atypical tennis' needs attention. That is solid 1st serve and good 1st strike tennis, and Mertens falls into this group. 
 
I'm not feeling to much strength for Haddad-Maia. Played 3 warm up games and has been properly beaten twice. I don't think her confidence is soaring.
Date Winner   Odds Loser   Odds   Score 2024-01-15 Haddad Maia B.   1.25  Fruhvirtova L.   4.03 6-2 3-6 6-2 2024-01-08 Pavlyuchenkova A.   2.21  Haddad Maia B.   1.66 6-3 6-4 2023-12-30 Swiatek I.   1.12  Haddad Maia B.   6.04 6-2 6-2 Her opponent is probably the best junior player in the world. Born in 2007 (lol), Alina Korneeva could cause a shock here. She qualified and is on a 4 match winning streak, beating Sorribes Tormo in the previous round (3 sets coming from a set down against a road runner). So she has the physicality. Korneeva is like Juncheng Shang - top ITF junior in the world, winning junior Grand Slam at French and Australia.
 
I'm not too impressed with Jabeur. Looks slightly undercooked to me and is up against an opponent (Mira Andreeva) who is in great form. She had a seriously good Brisbane international. I quite like the 6-1 and 6-2 sets. For me it indicates very good ground strokes, and somebody who is getting on top of opponents, and then putting them away. For me Andreeva with the straight win.
Date    Winner   Odds    Loser Odds Score 2024-01-15   Andreeva M.   1.17   Pera B. 5.11 7-5 6-2 2024-01-12   Andreeva M.   1.56   Collins D. 2.31 7-6 6-1 2024-01-05   Noskova L.   3.96   Andreeva M. 1.25 7-5 6-3 2024-01-04   Andreeva M.   1.08     Rodionova A. 8.01 6-1 6-1 2024-01-03   Andreeva M.   1.81   Samsonova L. 1.99 6-2 6-1 2023-12-31   Andreeva M.   1.22   Shnaider D. 4.26 6-2 6-3  
For a low odds 2 legged fav I like Emma Navarro, who is on a serious run of form. Only around 4 to 10 but it looks like 1 way traffic to me against Cocciaretto. My 2nd leg would be Shelton (who had a comfortable 1st round) over O'Connell who had to win in 5, winning the last 2 sets. Not sure O'Connell will have recovered, as a tough 5 setter is a leg killer so early in a tournament.
Date Winner Odds Loser Odds Score 2024-01-13   Navarro E.   2.09 Mertens E. 1.74 6-1 4-6 7-5 2024-01-12   Navarro E.   1.36 Yuan Y. 3.17 6-4 6-3 2024-01-11   Navarro E.   1.26 Tomova V. 3.80 4-6 6-3 6-2 2024-01-10   Navarro E.   1.48 Frech M. 2.66 6-3 6-3 2024-01-09   Navarro E.   1.68 Burel C. 2.18 4-6 6-3 6-3 2024-01-06   Gauff C.   1.10 Navarro E. 7.05 6-3 6-1 2024-01-05   Navarro E.   1.78 Martic P. 2.03 6-4 6-3 2024-01-03   Navarro E.   1.22 Avanesyan E. 4.21 6-1 6-2 2024-01-01   Navarro E.   1.40 Fruhvirtova L. 2.97 2-6 6-4 6-2 When you see a player who is beating players, who themselves are winning matches, it is a clear show of strength.  
Good luck.
 

Tough pickings this Aussie Open. Bookmakers are not giving much away. Crazy low odds all over the place.
I would rather be taking a few outsiders as singles than betting a very low piced fav.
 
I do like Mertens for the straight win against Kostyuk. Kostyuk playing better, but still losing against the players she is expected to lose against.
It's like her game is good, but she can't get to the next level. For me any woman who is playing 'atypical tennis' needs attention. That is solid 1st serve and good 1st strike tennis, and Mertens falls into this group. 
 
I'm not feeling to much strength for Haddad-Maia. Played 3 warm up games and has been properly beaten twice. I don't think her confidence is soaring.
Date Winner   Odds Loser   Odds   Score 2024-01-15 Haddad Maia B.   1.25  Fruhvirtova L.   4.03 6-2 3-6 6-2 2024-01-08 Pavlyuchenkova A.   2.21  Haddad Maia B.   1.66 6-3 6-4 2023-12-30 Swiatek I.   1.12  Haddad Maia B.   6.04 6-2 6-2 Her opponent is probably the best junior player in the world. Born in 2007 (lol), Alina Korneeva could cause a shock here. She qualified and is on a 4 match winning streak, beating Sorribes Tormo in the previous round (3 sets coming from a set down against a road runner). So she has the physicality. Korneeva is like Juncheng Shang - top ITF junior in the world, winning junior Grand Slam at French and Australia.
 
I'm not too impressed with Jabeur. Looks slightly undercooked to me and is up against an opponent (Mira Andreeva) who is in great form. She had a seriously good Brisbane international. I quite like the 6-1 and 6-2 sets. For me it indicates very good ground strokes, and somebody who is getting on top of opponents, and then putting them away. For me Andreeva with the straight win.
Date    Winner   Odds    Loser Odds Score 2024-01-15   Andreeva M.   1.17   Pera B. 5.11 7-5 6-2 2024-01-12   Andreeva M.   1.56   Collins D. 2.31 7-6 6-1 2024-01-05   Noskova L.   3.96   Andreeva M. 1.25 7-5 6-3 2024-01-04   Andreeva M.   1.08     Rodionova A. 8.01 6-1 6-1 2024-01-03   Andreeva M.   1.81   Samsonova L. 1.99 6-2 6-1 2023-12-31   Andreeva M.   1.22   Shnaider D. 4.26 6-2 6-3  
For a low odds 2 legged fav I like Emma Navarro, who is on a serious run of form. Only around 4 to 10 but it looks like 1 way traffic to me against Cocciaretto. My 2nd leg would be Shelton (who had a comfortable 1st round) over O'Connell who had to win in 5, winning the last 2 sets. Not sure O'Connell will have recovered, as a tough 5 setter is a leg killer so early in a tournament.
Date Winner Odds Loser Odds Score 2024-01-13   Navarro E.   2.09 Mertens E. 1.74 6-1 4-6 7-5 2024-01-12   Navarro E.   1.36 Yuan Y. 3.17 6-4 6-3 2024-01-11   Navarro E.   1.26 Tomova V. 3.80 4-6 6-3 6-2 2024-01-10   Navarro E.   1.48 Frech M. 2.66 6-3 6-3 2024-01-09   Navarro E.   1.68 Burel C. 2.18 4-6 6-3 6-3 2024-01-06   Gauff C.   1.10 Navarro E. 7.05 6-3 6-1 2024-01-05   Navarro E.   1.78 Martic P. 2.03 6-4 6-3 2024-01-03   Navarro E.   1.22 Avanesyan E. 4.21 6-1 6-2 2024-01-01   Navarro E.   1.40 Fruhvirtova L. 2.97 2-6 6-4 6-2 When you see a player who is beating players, who themselves are winning matches, it is a clear show of strength.  
Good luck.
 

Somewhat of a strange results day today. Linette really should have won. Served for thematch twice, and had a couple of match points. Burel was all over Navarro but just couldn't seal the deal. Got annoyed at the end of the match and lost 9 straight points at the end.
Is the Kooyong Classic just too risky to bet on. Nobody cares?
 

Somewhat of a strange results day today. Linette really should have won. Served for thematch twice, and had a couple of match points. Burel was all over Navarro but just couldn't seal the deal. Got annoyed at the end of the match and lost 9 straight points at the end.
Is the Kooyong Classic just too risky to bet on. Nobody cares?
 

I think Villa beat Man United tomorrow. Villa have played 8 games against the top 10 teams. Won 6 lost 2.  They are so impressive, and I would like to see them go on and do a Leicester and win the whole thing.
United are just atrocious. Ten hag has painted himself into a corner. Buying Antony for 82m has been a disaster. The guy is just outta his league, but if he sits him down, ten Hag looks like a clown for buying him. They buy Onana for 44m and Villa buy Martinez for 17m. Go figure!
Against the top teams United have been atrocious this year. They have taken 1 point from a possible 21. 7 matches 1 draw. Fialed to score 5 times, and outscored in these matches 14-2. Seriously, that is pathetic.
It's like the joke going around " A Man United fan and a Chelsea fan meet in hell to watch the game..." . United are just awful, and I am a fan. Watching them is a brutal waste of time.
 
I think Newcastle drop points against Forest. They just look out on their feet, and outta gas. 
For me the 2 away wins as a small double are worthwhile.

I think Villa beat Man United tomorrow. Villa have played 8 games against the top 10 teams. Won 6 lost 2.  They are so impressive, and I would like to see them go on and do a Leicester and win the whole thing.
United are just atrocious. Ten hag has painted himself into a corner. Buying Antony for 82m has been a disaster. The guy is just outta his league, but if he sits him down, ten Hag looks like a clown for buying him. They buy Onana for 44m and Villa buy Martinez for 17m. Go figure!
Against the top teams United have been atrocious this year. They have taken 1 point from a possible 21. 7 matches 1 draw. Fialed to score 5 times, and outscored in these matches 14-2. Seriously, that is pathetic.
It's like the joke going around " A Man United fan and a Chelsea fan meet in hell to watch the game..." . United are just awful, and I am a fan. Watching them is a brutal waste of time.
 
I think Newcastle drop points against Forest. They just look out on their feet, and outta gas. 
For me the 2 away wins as a small double are worthwhile.

I think Villa beat Man United tomorrow. Villa have played 8 games against the top 10 teams. Won 6 lost 2.  They are so impressive, and I would like to see them go on and do a Leicester and win the whole thing.
United are just atrocious. Ten hag has painted himself into a corner. Buying Antony for 82m has been a disaster. The guy is just outta his league, but if he sits him down, ten Hag looks like a clown for buying him. They buy Onana for 44m and Villa buy Martinez for 17m. Go figure!
Against the top teams United have been atrocious this year. They have taken 1 point from a possible 21. 7 matches 1 draw. Fialed to score 5 times, and outscored in these matches 14-2. Seriously, that is pathetic.
It's like the joke going around " A Man United fan and a Chelsea fan meet in hell to watch the game..." . United are just awful, and I am a fan. Watching them is a brutal waste of time.
 
I think Newcastle drop points against Forest. They just look out on their feet, and outta gas. 
For me the 2 away wins as a small double are worthwhile.

Hi All,
For me two clear opportunities this weekend. Having watched most of the games (except the blowouts).
Argentina are just not good. Sloppy with the ball, scrummaging badly, stupid mistakes, slow loose forwards and terrible with the restarts. I thought they just had an off day against England, but they were rubbish against Japan as well. I think Wales, who are solid, will beat them easily. Prob 10+ points.
The Boks will be far better against France, than they were against Ireland. Against Ireland they were quite poor in the red zone, blowing 4 of 5 good chances.  They also went for posts when they could have kicked for the corner 3 times. The only thing they did well against Ireland was defend. The other aspects of the game are just expected from a Bok side.
Pollard will be kicking, and Lukhanyo Am (for me the best center in rugby) will be back. I expect the team  performance to rise considerably (from a 6.5 to a 9+). They have France's number and I expect a 7+ points win.
 Good luck
 

Quite a strange day yesterday to see Korda and Sakkari get beaten. Sakkari with her second 1st round loss at a major in a row.  Looked to be in control and then fell apart against Kostyk.
I do see a day of upsets today.
I think (as Smiles noted) that Svitolina beats Mertens. Bencic beats Collins who has hardly played any on grass.
For me Karatsev is on the comeback. Probably overplayed and burnt himself out for 18 months when he finally cracked the top 70 or so. Guy looked mentally frazzled and was beating himself. He looks far calmer on the court now, and I think he posses a real threat to Rublev.  Not going crazy here, just a small bet on Karatsev win.
 You look at the order of play, and the fare on Centre and #1 court is rubbish. 5 lousy matches. As a spectacle only the Murray v Tsitsipas match deserves it's place. Would you want a ticket for court #1? Not me. 
For me match of the day is Francisco Cerundolo versus Jiri Lehecka. Both excellent, and it is one that can go either way. Nothing to choose between them, and probably the over games is the way to go.
I think Tsitsipas beats Andy Murray. Thiem was a much tougher game, but he showed some fortitude in getting through that.  Age catches up with everyone and a young, good opponent will hurt Andy. I also don't think Murray can pressurize the Tsitsipas backhand as much as a taller player.
I think Fernandez has a good chance against Garcia. She has to keep her focus and composure against a not brilliant opponent. Garcia seems to win but never convincingly.
AS a 'bet the house banker' I would go for Tiafoe v Stricker. Stricker came back from 1-4 down 5th set yesterday to win 7-5 against Popyrin,  and he will be feeling it.
My low priced fav 5 legged bet would be Tiafoe, Muchova, Rybakina, Dimitrov and Ruud which gives about 14 to 10. Muchova just too athletic, Rybakina too good behind her serve, Dimitrov excellent on grass and Ruud very solid.
 

Quite a strange day yesterday to see Korda and Sakkari get beaten. Sakkari with her second 1st round loss at a major in a row.  Looked to be in control and then fell apart against Kostyk.
I do see a day of upsets today.
I think (as Smiles noted) that Svitolina beats Mertens. Bencic beats Collins who has hardly played any on grass.
For me Karatsev is on the comeback. Probably overplayed and burnt himself out for 18 months when he finally cracked the top 70 or so. Guy looked mentally frazzled and was beating himself. He looks far calmer on the court now, and I think he posses a real threat to Rublev.  Not going crazy here, just a small bet on Karatsev win.
 You look at the order of play, and the fare on Centre and #1 court is rubbish. 5 lousy matches. As a spectacle only the Murray v Tsitsipas match deserves it's place. Would you want a ticket for court #1? Not me. 
For me match of the day is Francisco Cerundolo versus Jiri Lehecka. Both excellent, and it is one that can go either way. Nothing to choose between them, and probably the over games is the way to go.
I think Tsitsipas beats Andy Murray. Thiem was a much tougher game, but he showed some fortitude in getting through that.  Age catches up with everyone and a young, good opponent will hurt Andy. I also don't think Murray can pressurize the Tsitsipas backhand as much as a taller player.
I think Fernandez has a good chance against Garcia. She has to keep her focus and composure against a not brilliant opponent. Garcia seems to win but never convincingly.
AS a 'bet the house banker' I would go for Tiafoe v Stricker. Stricker came back from 1-4 down 5th set yesterday to win 7-5 against Popyrin,  and he will be feeling it.
My low priced fav 5 legged bet would be Tiafoe, Muchova, Rybakina, Dimitrov and Ruud which gives about 14 to 10. Muchova just too athletic, Rybakina too good behind her serve, Dimitrov excellent on grass and Ruud very solid.
 

Quite a strange day yesterday to see Korda and Sakkari get beaten. Sakkari with her second 1st round loss at a major in a row.  Looked to be in control and then fell apart against Kostyk.
I do see a day of upsets today.
I think (as Smiles noted) that Svitolina beats Mertens. Bencic beats Collins who has hardly played any on grass.
For me Karatsev is on the comeback. Probably overplayed and burnt himself out for 18 months when he finally cracked the top 70 or so. Guy looked mentally frazzled and was beating himself. He looks far calmer on the court now, and I think he posses a real threat to Rublev.  Not going crazy here, just a small bet on Karatsev win.
 You look at the order of play, and the fare on Centre and #1 court is rubbish. 5 lousy matches. As a spectacle only the Murray v Tsitsipas match deserves it's place. Would you want a ticket for court #1? Not me. 
For me match of the day is Francisco Cerundolo versus Jiri Lehecka. Both excellent, and it is one that can go either way. Nothing to choose between them, and probably the over games is the way to go.
I think Tsitsipas beats Andy Murray. Thiem was a much tougher game, but he showed some fortitude in getting through that.  Age catches up with everyone and a young, good opponent will hurt Andy. I also don't think Murray can pressurize the Tsitsipas backhand as much as a taller player.
I think Fernandez has a good chance against Garcia. She has to keep her focus and composure against a not brilliant opponent. Garcia seems to win but never convincingly.
AS a 'bet the house banker' I would go for Tiafoe v Stricker. Stricker came back from 1-4 down 5th set yesterday to win 7-5 against Popyrin,  and he will be feeling it.
My low priced fav 5 legged bet would be Tiafoe, Muchova, Rybakina, Dimitrov and Ruud which gives about 14 to 10. Muchova just too athletic, Rybakina too good behind her serve, Dimitrov excellent on grass and Ruud very solid.
 

It seems like Kvitova pulled out of the tournament?

I think it is quite a tricky matchup.
Do they care?  I don't think this is important to them. Was just a back up plan if last week failed.
Is one player exhausted from last week and the travel/acclimation?  Maybe, perhaps both slightly tired (more mental than physical).
Do they want a break before WImbledon? YES! They would definitely prefer a rest up, move down to London, and and practise/rest up for the week.
I may take a small bet early, and then lump it on after the 1st set. I cannot see this match going long or 3 sets. Whoever wins the 1st set wins. Thinking about it, for me the pre match bet  is the under 22.5 games at 8 to 10, and a lump on the 1st set winner.

It is quite a rare thing to see exceptional woman's tennis matches.
Most of the stuff is pretty average. Double faults, unforced errors and a one dimensional game. I have seen 3 excellent matches in the last couple of months. Jabuer v Danilovic (French Open), Jabuer v Muchova (French Open), and the final in Berlin between Kvitova and Vekic. Vekic actually had a big chance second set. Served for it at 5-4 and then lost it in a breaker.
But the tennis in Berlin was top class. Very few unforced errors and exceptional hitting of the ball.  Kvitova in this form will take some beating. Her serve is dynamite, and she has tremendous power off both sides. It is the best I have seen her play in years. For me she destroys Ostapenko today.
Then you compare this match to yesterday's encounter between Pliskova and Mertens. The gap in quality is miles. Pliskova and Mertens played a match of 'worse' and 'worser'. Mertens had 10 double faults in the 1st set, and neither of them could hit the ball.
 
Pegula has played one match (doubles) on grass and may be a little undercooked for Zheng.  I am also not convinced regarding Boulter v Martic. Boulter won a tournament but you look at the quality of the field and it was weak. (Burrage 131, Watson 195, Dart 143, Snigur 157, Appelton 230+ so very low ranking opponents).  
 

It is quite a rare thing to see exceptional woman's tennis matches.
Most of the stuff is pretty average. Double faults, unforced errors and a one dimensional game. I have seen 3 excellent matches in the last couple of months. Jabuer v Danilovic (French Open), Jabuer v Muchova (French Open), and the final in Berlin between Kvitova and Vekic. Vekic actually had a big chance second set. Served for it at 5-4 and then lost it in a breaker.
But the tennis in Berlin was top class. Very few unforced errors and exceptional hitting of the ball.  Kvitova in this form will take some beating. Her serve is dynamite, and she has tremendous power off both sides. It is the best I have seen her play in years. For me she destroys Ostapenko today.
Then you compare this match to yesterday's encounter between Pliskova and Mertens. The gap in quality is miles. Pliskova and Mertens played a match of 'worse' and 'worser'. Mertens had 10 double faults in the 1st set, and neither of them could hit the ball.
 
Pegula has played one match (doubles) on grass and may be a little undercooked for Zheng.  I am also not convinced regarding Boulter v Martic. Boulter won a tournament but you look at the quality of the field and it was weak. (Burrage 131, Watson 195, Dart 143, Snigur 157, Appelton 230+ so very low ranking opponents).