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ATP Australian Open Best Bets Including Shelton vs Musetti
ATP Australian Open 1/16-Finals
Moutet – Tien: 18.01.2025 05:30 CEST
H2H: first meetingCorentin Moutet has won four of his last five matches. This is his first tournament of the season. In the opening Australian Open round, Moutet upset Popyrin in four sets after losing the first set 4-6. Yesterday, in the second round, Moutet won against Krueger in four sets. Once again, Corentin lost the first set but kept fighting and turned the match around. His last appearance in the Australian Open was in 2023 when he lost in the second round against Cerundolo in four sets.
Learner Tien has won five straight matches. The young American is one of the biggest sensations in Melbourne. He successfully qualified for the main draw tournament. Tien defeated Ugo Carabelli in five tight sets in the opening main draw round. Yesterday, in the second round, Learner upset Medvedev in five sets, spending almost five hours on the court. In the deciding set, Medvedev was 6-5 up and served for the match, but Tien was calm and successfully earned himself the biggest win of his young career.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, this will be a 50-50 match, but we disagree. Tien spent nine hours on the court in the past two matches. He is used to the Challenger Tour level, and we believe his body will be tired. Moutet loves to play long rallies, and with his experience playing at the highest level, we expect him to control this match.
That being said, Moutet winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Corentin Moutet winning @2.10 @bet365
Shelton – Musetti: 18.01.2025 07:00 CEST
H2H: 0-2Ben Shelton has lost three of his last five matches. He started this season with a loss in Auckland last week. In the opening Australian Open round, Shelton defeated Nakashima in tight straight sets. In the second round, Ben defeated Carreno-Busta in four tight sets yesterday. This will be his third appearance in the Australian Open. Last year, Ben was upset by Adrian Mannarino in the third round, losing in five tight sets.
Lorenzo Musetti has won three of his last five matches. At the beginning of the season, Musetti played in Hong Kong, where he reached the quarterfinals, losing against Munar in three tight sets. Here in Melbourne, Musetti won against Arnaldi in the opening round. Yesterday, in the second round, Lorenzo won against Shapovalov in straight sets. He won all of the important points in the match. Last year in the Australian Open, Musetti reached the second round, losing against van Assche in five tight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Shelton is the slight favorite in this match, and we agree. Ben is a better hard-court player than Musetti. He has shown solid tennis so far, and we believe that he will play even better as the tournament continues. We expect him to dominate against Musetti in the third round.
That being said, Shelton winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Ben Shelton winning @1.67 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
As the ATP Australian Open continues to heat up, one of the most anticipated matches is between Jack Shelton and Lorenzo Musetti. Both players have been in top form leading up to this showdown, making it a difficult match to predict. However, there are a few key factors to consider when placing your bets on this match.Shelton has been in great form recently, winning his last few matches with ease. His powerful serve and aggressive playing style make him a formidable opponent for anyone. On the other hand, Musetti has been on a hot streak as well, with his precision shots and strong baseline game giving him the edge in many matches.
When considering the best bets for this match, it’s important to look at the head-to-head record between these two players. While Musetti has a slight advantage in their previous matchups, Shelton’s recent form may give him the edge in this match.
Another factor to consider is the playing surface. The Australian Open is played on hard courts, which may favor Shelton’s powerful game. However, Musetti’s quick footwork and ability to move around the court may give him the upper hand on this surface.
Overall, this match is shaping up to be a close one, with both players having a good chance of coming out on top. When placing your bets, it may be wise to consider betting on the underdog in this match, as the odds are likely to be more favorable. Regardless of who you choose to bet on, this match is sure to be an exciting one for fans of tennis betting.
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The ‘absurd’ way Alex Michelsen’s journey has turned out | ATP Tour
Player Features
The ‘absurd’ way Alex Michelsen’s journey has turned out
American reflects on start of his second full season on Tour
January 17, 2025
Peter Staples/ATP Tour
Alex Michelsen has reached the third round of the Australian Open in two consecutive years.
By Andrew EichenholzIt is easy to forget that Alex Michelsen is only 20 years old.
The energetic American has already played in two editions of the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, made three ATP Tour finals, is into the Top 50 of the PIF ATP Rankings and is about to compete in the third round of the Australian Open for the second consecutive year.
But in an alternative universe, Michelsen could be sitting in class at the University of Georgia for his sophomore year of college. This time two years ago he had just cracked the Top 600 in the PIF ATP Rankings and was an 18-year-old fully prepared to go to school.
“This is a much better life than doing that,” Michelsen told ATPTour.com with a smile on his face, calling the thought of how his life has panned out “absurd”.
“College tennis did sound fun and it is fun. It looks awesome. But I’ve just never been a big school guy, so I’m super happy… I’m not the most social guy, either. I just like to play tennis and chill out, do my thing. I think the way I’m living my life is something I never considered growing up. And I’m still crazy happy with everything and how it’s all going.”
Michelsen’s older brother, Jake, graduated from Biola University in May and got a job at home in Irvine, 20 minutes from where the family lives. Jake is working for one of their father’s friends in a finance job, “doing great”. Could that have been Alex’s path?
“Maybe, yes, who knows? It’s not the world we’re living in. But, yes, I probably would have gone in a similar direction,” Michelsen said. “My dad is a lawyer, and he’s got a lot of friends… Probably could have hooked me up with a job after college. It’s not crazy to think that could have been my path.”
Watch Michelsen’s Journey To Jeddah:
Michelsen did not have a dream job outside of tennis. “If I could have been a professional video game player, that would have been sick. I played a lot of video games during Covid. That would have been so sick,” he said, cracking a laugh. “But that would have never happened because I’m just not that good.”
The Californian played a lot of Fortnite, including with close friend Learner Tien, who is also into the third round of the Australian Open. “I got pretty good at one point. I was pretty good,” Michelsen said. “Learner Tien is incredible at Fortnite. He won’t say it, but he’s incredible.”
Now they are both competing on the world’s biggest stage. Michelsen advanced past James McCabe on Thursday afternoon and planned to watch Tien face former World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev from the comfort of his hotel room.
“He doesn’t need me. He’ll do just fine,” said Michelsen. That proved prophetic, as Tien stunned Medvedev in a fifth-set tie-break at 2:55 a.m. Friday morning.
While both Californians are on the rise, Michelsen has a bit more experience, with 2024 being his first full year of competition on the ATP Tour.
“Physically, I’ve improved a lot of things, like my serve, my forehand, especially. But I feel like mentally, I’ve made the biggest change in the last year than physically,” Michelsen said. “I feel like my game has not really changed in terms of the way I play, but mentally, just the way I approach matches, and the way I am in matches.”
Some of those improvements have been on the mental side of the sport. There have been the simple things, like not throwing his racquet as much or “chirping” at his box as often as he once did.
“I like the feeling of being composed on the court. And it’s not something I had growing up. So, I’m super glad I figured it out at some point,” said Michelsen, who began working with former World No. 15 Robby Ginepri alongside Jay Leavitt around last year’s US Open. “He’s definitely helped because he’s been in the situations. He’s been in very stressed situations on the court…. He’s given me some great advice. That has helped a tonne. But I’ve also known for a while that I needed to clean it up, and he just stepped in and helped out a lot.”
Life has changed off the court, too. Michelsen is in Melbourne with his girlfriend, Caroline, who was also in Auckland.
“We’ve been spending a lot of quality time together because I didn’t see her for about six weeks before this. So, I’ve been spending a lot of time with her. We’ll just chill out, watch the matches,” Michelsen said. “It’s a lot more fun to have company in the room. I like being alone, but it’s so much better to have her company with me.
“Support is big. At first, I played a lot of Challengers. I went to a lot of places by myself. I had my first ATP final at 18. I was by myself. But having the support is crucial. I realise when you’re just going week to week, different city, you need people. You need good people there to support you.”
Michelsen “loves the courts” in Melbourne and “the city is sick” (when the bugs are not bothering him). The 20-year-old will help the improvements he has made and the good vibes will lead to an even deeper run in the season’s first major. Next up is a third-round showdown with 19th seed Karen Khachanov.
“I had to get good at trying to find the balance of being happy after a win versus, ‘You’ve got to go and play in a couple days again’,” Michelsen said. “I can enjoy tonight. I don’t have anything tomorrow to focus on besides practice. Then I’ll probably start getting locked in on Saturday morning when I’ve got to play again.”
Alex Michelsen’s journey on the ATP Tour has been nothing short of absurd. From starting out as a promising young talent to facing setbacks and challenges along the way, Michelsen’s career has taken unexpected twists and turns.Despite his talent and potential, Michelsen struggled to make a mark on the tour in the early stages of his career. He faced injuries, losses, and doubts about his future in the sport. However, he never gave up and continued to work hard to improve his game.
Just when it seemed like Michelsen’s career was on the brink of collapse, he suddenly found his groove and started to string together impressive victories. His confidence grew, and he began to make a name for himself on the tour.
But just when things were looking up for Michelsen, another setback occurred. A controversial decision by the tournament officials led to Michelsen being disqualified from a crucial match, leaving his future uncertain once again.
Despite the ups and downs, Michelsen’s journey has been defined by his resilience and determination. He has faced adversity head-on and never shied away from a challenge. While his path may have been unconventional and absurd at times, Michelsen’s story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional tennis and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
As Michelsen continues to navigate the ups and downs of the ATP Tour, one thing is certain – his journey is far from over, and there are bound to be many more twists and turns along the way. Stay tuned to see where this absurd journey will take him next.
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The ongoing education of Jacob Fearnley | ATP Tour
Player Features
The ongoing education of Jacob Fearnley
Insight from Fearnley’s coach Juan Martin
January 16, 2025
Peter Staples/ATP Tour
Jacob Fearnley is competing in the Australian Open for the first time as a professional.
By Andrew EichenholzWhen you have held a job for a short amount of time, every day is an opportunity to learn something new. That has been the case for Jacob Fearnley as a professional tennis player.
On Friday, the Briton will play second seed Alexander Zverev in the third round of the Australian Open. It is Fearnley’s second major main draw and his first trip this deep into a Grand Slam tournament.
“It’s another massive match. I assume it will be on a big court,” Fearnley said. “Obviously he’s No. 2 in the world. He’s playing unbelievable. I’m aware that all these matches that I’m getting are extremely challenging.”
In the second round at Wimbledon last year, Fearnley faced 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic on Centre Court and took a set from the Serbian. Earlier this week, the 23-year-old faced home favourite Nick Kyrgios in an evening match in front of the Australian crowd.
A year ago Fearnley was sitting in class at Texas Christian University, still playing college tennis. As recently as October 2023, his PIF ATP Ranking was No. 1,893. So all of these experiences are a massive help, according to coach Juan Martin, who also competed for TCU.
“We always discuss that match with Djokovic at Wimbledon, because it was such a big moment and you get to live so many experiences in one. Home crowd, Wimbledon — his favourite tournament as a British player — Centre Court against Djokovic,” Martin said. “[You have] pressure just seeing your mom out there, seeing your dad out there, buddies that flew from Spain, from the U.S., just to watch him play.
“It’s just a massive stage, so you get to experience a lot. But he’s still quite fresh, quite new here as well. Every match is a new experience, and we are learning what to do and what not to do as well.”
An example came last year at Wimbledon. It was the most special moment of Fearnley’s young career, but also an educational one. Although he played well on court, there were takeaways of what he should change off court.
“Something that we learned there was not spending too much time in the club. Everything was nice. He was a crowd favourite because he’s British. He was a new guy on the block and you just get excited, and you want to be there from 7 a.m. until they close at 2 a.m. That’s just very draining and something that he noticed,” Martin said. “You rarely see Sinner, you rarely see Alcaraz… They are there for like 30 minutes a day. And so just managing energy, that’s massive.
“You can’t spend 10 hours a day at the club. That was a mistake that we did in the past, and now we’re very on it.”
Fearnley’s team shares a philosophy. They do not worry about making mistakes. They worry about not learning from them.
In the second round of the Australian Open, Fearnley defeated Arthur Cazaux in front of a raucous Court 6 crowd. An added layer was the courtside bar, leading to a memorable atmosphere, which the Briton was happy to compete in, but unprepared for.
“In the future I’ll definitely make an effort to go and see the court first because it did kind of catch me a little bit off guard,” Fearnley said. “The Kyrgios match was louder, but I was a bit more distant, so it didn’t kind of feel as in my face. Whereas, this one it feels like you’re face-to-face, and it was pretty loud.”
Since the start of June, Fearnley has done a lot of winning, capturing four ATP Challenger Tour titles and surging into the world’s Top 100. But Martin is aware that the small margins by which he has found the form of his life could turn things in the other direction, too.
“You’re around these [players], and you start noticing how important little details are, and that’s the difference. One point can win you or lose you a match, and I don’t know. Not being properly hydrated can be the difference in that point, and that’s your match, just because you didn’t hydrate properly,” Martin said. “So I think that he’s learning how to take care of those little things and being professional, being organised, taking care of nutrition, his strength and conditioning, pre-match activation. Just everything has to be done a certain way. Obviously there’s flexibility, but you just need to tick boxes every day. And I think he’s learning how to do that.”
Fearnley has another big challenge ahead of him in two-time Nitto ATP Finals champion Zverev, whose game he admires “immensely”. The Briton watched live Zverev’s match against Cameron Norrie at Wimbledon last year.
“I’d never really seen him play live, and I was, like, ‘He’s an amazing tennis player’. You kind of don’t really get a grasp of it until you actually see it live,” Fearnley said. “He was incredible, and obviously he’s still pretty young actually, and he’s been seven, eight years at the top of the game. Yeah, incredible tennis player, and I’m really excited that I’ll get a chance to play one of the biggest names in tennis.”
Jacob Fearnley may be a rising star on the ATP Tour, but his education is far from over. Despite his success on the court, Fearnley knows that in order to reach his full potential, he must continue to learn and grow both on and off the court.From honing his skills with top coaches to studying the strategies of his opponents, Fearnley is constantly seeking new ways to improve his game. But his education doesn’t stop there. Fearnley also understands the importance of mental toughness, sportsmanship, and overall well-being in order to succeed in the competitive world of professional tennis.
As he navigates the ups and downs of the ATP Tour, Fearnley remains committed to his ongoing education. Whether it’s through training sessions, matches, or personal development, Fearnley is dedicated to becoming the best player and person he can be.
Follow along as Jacob Fearnley continues his journey of growth and learning on the ATP Tour, because the education of a tennis player is never truly complete.
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#ongoing #education #Jacob #Fearnley #ATP #TourNuno Borges can’t find the kangaroos, can’t avoid Alcaraz | ATP Tour
Player Features
Nuno Borges can’t find the kangaroos, can’t avoid Alcaraz
Get to know the Portuguese star off the court
January 16, 2025
AFP/Getty Images
Nuno Borges is trying to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open for the second consecutive year.
By Andrew EichenholzNuno Borges is one of the best players in the world. The Portuguese No. 1 is an ATP Tour champion, defeated the legendary Rafael Nadal and is the No. 33 player in the PIF ATP Rankings. On Friday, the 27-year-old could reach the fourth round of the Australian Open for the second straight year when he takes on third seed Carlos Alcaraz.
But while Borges is extraordinary on the court, he is just like anyone else at Melbourne Park off of it.
“In 2023 I’m pretty sure I went to the Melbourne Zoo with my physio. I don’t know if my coach didn’t want to or something. He wasn’t into it, so I convinced my physio to go with me,” Borges told ATPTour.com. “Believe it or not, we went to the Melbourne Zoo and we could not see the kangaroos or the koalas!
“It was the hottest day of the week, like 36 degrees. The koalas were already asleep, and the kangaroo habitat was under construction, or something, and they were remodeling it. So literally, there was no chance. So I came to Australia and did not get to see kangaroos!”
One year later, Borges enjoyed his breakthrough tournament. With two major match wins to his name in seven previous tournaments, the Portuguese advanced to the Round of 16 and tested eventual finalist Daniil Medvedev in a tight four-setter. Afterwards, he was determined to meet some Australian animals.
“I went to a sanctuary and I got to pet a koala and everything, so I feel like I had my experience,” Borges said. “Also there were wallabies here walking around!”
Outside of animal visits, Borges is a fan of doing puzzles — he will usually do a couple of bigger ones a year. But it is difficult for him to do that on the road.
“How would I travel with it back? I would have to frame it and ship it. The logistics aren’t very nice, but I thought about it. I thought about getting a few but then in the end, I’ll have to have the time, at least a week or two at home in Lisbon or in Porto, where I can settle down and build it,” Borges said. “I don’t want to build 20 per cent of the puzzle, and leave it out there just dusting for months while I go to Australia, and then coming back to it, then I’m not in the rhythm. I could do it once I have my own place, maybe I can do that, but nothing has really changed.
“I don’t have that much time at home to do much more. If you do a 1,500-piece puzzle, it takes time. It’s not like you do it alone in a weekend. Impossible.”
Borges posted an offseason video on his social media baking blueberry cupcakes. But he also is a fan of more adventurous things like theme parks. He would love to visit Hong Kong Disneyland or an attraction in Tokyo.
“As long as I’m in competition, I like to stay pretty focused, because if I do go to theme parks and stuff, it can be pretty tiring — a long time waiting in line, and just all the highs and lows of adrenaline,” Borges said. “You also maybe don’t want to go through that before a match, even though it can be very stress relieving, just especially playing a Slam, best of five sets. I think if you can save any energy you can save, maybe it’s wise to do so, so I’ll save all the activities for after.”
You May Also Like: Nuno Borges: Building legos, facing Nadal, Cirque du Soleil & moreFull focus is on facing Alcaraz, who won the pair’s lone Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting in Barcelona two years ago. Borges first came across the Spaniard at an ITF World Tennis Tour event in Martos, Spain, in June 2019. It was the sixth professional tournament of Alcaraz’s career.
“I remember that he was 16, already hitting crazy hard, already a very, very promising player out there. Everybody already knew him,” Borges said. “I remember watching him in the Oeiras Challenger, where I practised… He’s been around for a little bit, but at the very top, very quickly. It’s going be a big challenge.”
Borges believes Alcaraz has developed both physically and mentally despite only being 21.
“When he was 16, I’m sure it was a lot different, but I think his tennis was already there,” Borges said. “I remember he was already hitting pretty hard, so I think that’s what we see nowadays.”
Nuno Borges, the Portuguese tennis player, seems to be having a tough time at the ATP Tour as he can’t find the kangaroos and can’t avoid facing the rising star Carlos Alcaraz.In a recent tournament, Borges was seen wandering around the court in search of kangaroos, a common sight in Australia where many ATP Tour events take place. However, his search was unsuccessful, leaving him perplexed and distracted during his matches.
To add insult to injury, Borges also seems to have a difficult time avoiding facing Alcaraz on the court. The young Spanish player has been on a hot streak, defeating some of the top players in the world and making a name for himself in the tennis world.
Despite these challenges, Borges continues to push forward and compete at the highest level. Hopefully, he will eventually find the kangaroos he’s been searching for and find a way to overcome his tough opponents like Alcaraz. Only time will tell if Borges can turn his luck around on the ATP Tour.
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ATP Australian Open 1/16-Finals
Carballes Baena – Paul: 17.01.2025 03:00 CEST
H2H: 1-0Roberto Carballes Baena has won four of his last five matches. The Spaniard has played two preparation tournaments so far. Last week in Auckland, Roberto reached the quarterfinals, losing against Bergs in three tight sets. In Melbourne, Baena won the opening round against Tabilo in four sets after losing the first set 1-6. Roberto stayed calm and successfully turned the match around. In the second round, Roberto easily defeated Duckworth in straight sets. Being a Spaniard, Carballes Baena had the most significant results on clay throughout his career. Last year in Melbourne, Roberto lost in the opening round against Gaston in four sets.
Tommy Paul has won four of his last five matches. Last week in Adelaide, Paul reached the semifinals, losing against Auger-Aliassime in three tight sets. Tommy won the opening round match against O’Connell in five tight sets in Melbourne. Paul was a better player under pressure in the deciding fifth set, which is why he won the match. Yesterday, in the second round, Tommy defeated Nishikori after losing the first set 6-7. Kei was tired and only won four games in three sets after winning the first. Last year in Melbourne, Tommy reached the third round, losing against Kecmanovic in five sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Paul is the big favorite in this matchup, but we disagree. Carballes Baena showed a high level of tennis this week, and we expect him to keep this match tighter than the bookies think.
That being said, Baena covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Roberto Carballes Baena +6.5 games handicap @2.00 @bet365
Fearnley – Zverev: 17.01.2025 03:30 CEST
H2H: first meetingJacob Fearnley has won four of his last five matches. So far this season, Jacob has played only one preparation tournament. Two weeks ago in Canberra, Fearnley reached the semifinals at the Challenger tournament, losing against Fonseca in straight sets. Here in Melbourne, Fearnley won in the opening round against Kyrgios in straight sets. He lost his serve only once. Other than that, Fearnley served well throughout the whole match. Yesterday, in the second round, Fearnley defeated Cazaux in four sets, as we predicted.
Alexander Zverev has won four of his last five matches. So far this season, Sascha has only played in the United Cup, winning both matches. In his opening match here in Melbourne, Sascha defeated Pouille in straight sets. He offered and saved two breakpoints and was solid under pressure. In the second round, Zverev demolished Pablo Martinez in straight sets yesterday. Last year in Melbourne, Alexander was 2-0 up against Medvedev in the semifinals. Daniil turned the match around.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Fearnley is the huge underdog in this matchup, and we partially agree. However, Jacob has a solid serve and forehand. We believe he will hold his service games comfortably and keep this match tighter than the bookies think.
That being said, Fearnley covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Jacob Fearnley +6.5 games handicap @2.10 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
The ATP Australian Open is in full swing, and there are some exciting matches on the horizon. One match that has caught the attention of many fans is the showdown between Dylan Fearnley and Alexander Zverev.Fearnley, a young up-and-coming player, has been turning heads with his impressive performances in the tournament so far. Zverev, on the other hand, is a seasoned veteran who has had success at the Australian Open in the past.
When it comes to betting on this match, there are a few factors to consider. Zverev may have more experience and a higher ranking, but Fearnley has been playing with confidence and determination. It could be a close match that goes either way.
If you’re looking to place a bet on this match, it may be wise to consider a few different options. You could go with the safe bet and pick Zverev to win, or you could take a chance on Fearnley pulling off an upset. Another option could be to bet on the match going to a tiebreaker, as both players have shown their ability to fight until the very end.
No matter which bet you choose, one thing is for sure – this match is sure to be a thrilling one to watch. Keep an eye on Fearnley vs Zverev at the ATP Australian Open and see if your bet pays off.
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Inside the rise of Tomas Machac | ATP Tour
Player Features
Inside the rise of Tomas Machac
Exclusive insight from Machac and coach Daniel Vacek
January 02, 2025
Peter Staples/ATP Tour
Tomas Machac is the top-ranked men’s player from Czechia.
By Andrew EichenholzTomas Machac began his 2024 season as the No. 78 player in the PIF ATP Rankings. Twelve months later, he has become one of the most dangerous competitors on the ATP Tour.
The Czech is up to a career-high World No. 25 and on the rise, even if he did not necessarily expect such a rapid ascent.
“I think I would say I would be a little bit surprised, to be 25 in the world and to have this kind of season,” Machac told ATPTour.com. “I’m not forgetting that I won a gold medal in [mixed doubles at] the Olympic Games. So the season was unbelievable for me, really.”
Based on his performance so far at the United Cup, where the Czech tested Casper Ruud for nearly three hours and then defeated Hubert Hurkacz in three sets, Machac has no plans to slow down any time soon. But while it has not been apparent in his tennis, the 24-year-old had a preseason he said “wasn’t that good”.
The plan was to spend five or six weeks in his preseason preparing for 2025. After two weeks of training, he fell ill and did not know what was wrong. The Czech was prescribed antibiotics, but was completely out of training for 14 days. Plans needed to change.
Machac brought his fitness coach to Sydney and has been doing “a little bit more than I wanted to” during this opening event of the season to ensure he is adequately prepared for the tournaments to come.
“I was [doing] two tennis practices, and then one fitness, and then I was doing fitness, running, tennis, tennis. So I was a little bit [tired], yeah, but otherwise, I would not finish the match with Casper if I didn’t do that, because I would not be really prepared,” Machac said. “You have to play with the cards you have on the table. That’s why I’m really happy with the performance and with the results that I achieved here, and that’s why I was so pumped up in the third set [against Hurkacz], because I realised that I am doing incredible things with my body and with the win I was in heaven.
“I’m standing here, I won one match and was close with Casper. So I’m really happy that I managed to find my health and my body is struggling, but now it’s getting better and better. So I’m really happy with that.”
A year ago Machac needed to qualify at the ATP 250 event in Brisbane to begin his season and did not own a win against a Top 10 opponent. But this is a new and improved player, and not just because of physical development, according to his coach and Czechia captain Daniel Vacek.
“The most improved [part of his game] is that he believes in himself, much more than he did in the past,” Vacek told ATPTour.com.
Earning four Top 10 victories in a season will certainly help with that. Players he defeated in 2024 include Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray (twice) and Stan Wawrinka.
“I think the season was unbelievable for me to show myself that I can play against the best players and I can win those matches,” Machac said.
One triumph in particular stands out. At the Rolex Shanghai Masters, Machac advanced to his second ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final. Across the net was Alcaraz, fresh off a thrilling win against Jannik Sinner in the Beijing final. Undeterred, Machac produced arguably the best performance of his career to upset the Spaniard 7-6(5), 7-5.
“I feel like I was playing against a Top-5 player, not even Top 10. Top 5, his level, it was so high,” Alcaraz said in his post-match press conference. “I thought that he was going to give me an opportunity, a window, but he didn’t.”
Machac said of the match: “He was playing his best tennis, and even he said that he was playing great and I managed to beat him in straight sets. So that match showed me that I can really be a great player, but I need to focus on my tennis and trying to be healthy as much as possible.”
While not yet an ATP Tour titlist, Machac has proven he is able to rise to the occasion on the world’s biggest stages and against the toughest opposition.
“I like the [big] tournaments, and I like to play against the best players,” Machac said. “For me, it’s great practice to push me up and up.”
Vacek explained how big of an advantage that mentality is.
“He really loves to play on the centre courts, on the big courts with a lot of people against the top guys. He really enjoys the top guys, the top events and even Davis Cup or the team competitions, he really looks forward to [them],” Vacek said. “He thrives on it. He’s really looking forward to it and I think he does everything so he gets there again.”
In terms of tennis, Vacek, the former World No. 26 in singles and No. 3 in doubles, added that Machac has improved his fitness, speed and agility. The coach said: “Everybody knows that he’s extremely talented so when he puts all these things together, he’s very dangerous.”
But it is not a particular weapon that has stood out, according to Machac.
“I think I can play everything. I actually am great on my serve. So in case I’m not serving well, I can be strong even on the baseline. Really, really strong,” Machac said. “I can do everything that I want to do on the court, and it also depends on the situation. So this is, I think, my strength — that I don’t have so many weak sides.”
Machac will hope to show that Friday evening when he leads Czechia against Italy in the United Cup quarter-finals. In men’s singles, he will take on Flavio Cobolli, marking their first Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting.
“I’m really happy with my physical stuff, even [though] it’s not 100 per cent and I didn’t play the best tennis, I managed to find my rhythm,” Machac said. “I’m really pleased with the start of the year.”
Tomas Machac is quickly making a name for himself on the ATP Tour, with an impressive rise through the rankings and some standout performances on the court. The young Czech player has been turning heads with his skill and determination, and his success is a testament to his hard work and dedication.Machac’s rise in the rankings has been nothing short of meteoric. Just a few years ago, he was barely on the radar of most tennis fans, but now he is a player to watch out for on the tour. His aggressive style of play and powerful groundstrokes have earned him some impressive victories against top-ranked players, and he is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with.
But it’s not just his skill on the court that has people talking about Machac. His work ethic and commitment to his craft are also major factors in his success. He puts in countless hours of practice and training, always looking for ways to improve and elevate his game. His focus and determination have helped him overcome obstacles and setbacks, and he continues to push himself to reach new heights.
As he continues to climb the rankings and make a name for himself on the ATP Tour, it’s clear that Tomas Machac is a player with a bright future ahead of him. With his talent, work ethic, and determination, there’s no telling how far he can go in the world of professional tennis. Stay tuned to see what he accomplishes next on the court.
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Why Novak Djokovic’s Brisbane loss is not cause for Australian Open concern | ATP Tour
Australian Open
Why Djokovic’s Brisbane loss is not cause for Australian Open concern
ATPTour.com examines Djokovic’s pre-major results
January 04, 2025
AFP/Getty Images
Novak Djokovic waves to the Brisbane crowd after falling to Reilly Opelka on Friday evening at the ATP 250 event.
By ATP StaffNovak Djokovic suffered a surprising quarter-final loss on Friday to Reilly Opelka at the Brisbane International presented by Evie. History shows that the defeat is not cause for concern leading into the Australian Open.
Djokovic has won the season’s first major a record 10 times in his career. However, in the leadup to those memorable triumphs, the Serbian claimed a title only three times, and one of them was in a team competition, at the 2020 United Cup.
The 37-year-old has enjoyed many different levels of success before arriving in Melbourne, and it has never seemed to deter him with a major trophy on the line.
Djokovic’s Australian Open titles – results from event prior
Year Event Prior Year Event Prior 2023 Adelaide Title 2015 Doha QF 2021 ATP Cup RR (2-0) 2013 Didn’t play 2020 ATP Cup Title (6-0) 2012 Didn’t play 2019 Doha SF 2011 Didn’t play 2016 Doha Title 2008 Didn’t play
In some cases — nine to be exact — Djokovic has not competed at all ahead of the Australian Open. He captured the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup on four of those occasions, in 2008 and each year from 2011-2013.
Four years, in 2015-17 and in 2019, Djokovic played in Doha before making the trip across the ocean. Twice he won the title in Doha, in 2016 and 2017. But while he triumphed in the first of those years, he lost in the second round of the Australian Open the next.
This is the fifth consecutive season Djokovic has started in Australia with a pre-Melbourne tournament. Three times he played a teams competition, but this year the Serbian opened in Brisbane, where Djokovic fell to the big-serving Opelka.
The last time Djokovic fell in the quarter-finals of an individual knockout tournament before a Grand Slam tournament was at the 2023 Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome. His result at Roland Garros? A Coupe des Mousquetaires with the loss of just two sets across the fortnight.
Although Djokovic and his fans missed an opportunity to celebrate his 100th tour-level title in Brisbane, the numbers show that regardless of his performance ahead of a major, the 99-time tour-level champion has found ways to produce his best tennis at the ensuing Slam.
Djokovic is 94-9 with a record 10 titles at Melbourne Park, a jaw-dropping record he will try to improve later this month.
Novak Djokovic’s recent loss at the Brisbane International may have raised some eyebrows among tennis fans, but there’s no need to hit the panic button just yet. Here’s why his defeat is not cause for concern heading into the Australian Open:1. Djokovic is a seasoned veteran: As a 20-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1, Djokovic has proven time and time again that he knows how to perform on the biggest stages. One loss in a warm-up tournament does not define his overall level of play.
2. It’s just one match: Tennis is a sport where anything can happen on any given day. Djokovic may have had an off day or faced a particularly tough opponent in Brisbane. It doesn’t necessarily indicate a downward trend in his game.
3. Djokovic’s track record at the Australian Open: Djokovic has won the Australian Open a record nine times, showcasing his dominance at the first Grand Slam of the year. He knows how to peak at the right time and perform at his best when it matters most.
4. Djokovic’s mental toughness: One of Djokovic’s greatest strengths is his mental fortitude. He has the ability to bounce back from losses and setbacks, using them as motivation to improve and come back stronger.
In conclusion, while Djokovic’s loss in Brisbane may have been surprising, it’s important not to read too much into it. He remains one of the greatest players in the history of the sport and is more than capable of putting this setback behind him as he prepares for the Australian Open. Expect Djokovic to come out firing on all cylinders when the first Grand Slam of the year kicks off.
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Taylor Fritz, Coco Gauff send United States to United Cup final | ATP Tour
United Cup
Fritz, Gauff send United States to United Cup final
United States and Poland to meet for the trophy
January 04, 2025
Peter Staples/ATP Tour
Taylor Fritz is the No. 4 player in the PIF ATP Rankings.
By ATP/WTA StaffThe 2023 United Cup champion, the United States, is one match from claiming another trophy at the mixed-teams event.
After Coco Gauff began her country’s semi-final tie against Czechia with a comprehensive victory against Karolina Muchova, Tomas Machac was in great position to level the tie for his country against Taylor Fritz. But from serving for the match at 7-6(4), 5-3, the No. 25 player in the PIF ATP Rankings lost three consecutive games to World No. 4 Fritz and then abruptly retired.
“He said he’d been cramping for a couple games already. I didn’t notice, but yeah,” Fritz said in his on-court interview with Mark Petchey. “He was moving pretty well, but I guess he was playing through it, fighting. It’s really humid in here.
“That’s something I was thinking was a possibility if I could win that set, take it to a third I was thinking maybe someone might start cramping later on. It’s tough conditions, it was a physical match.”
After losing the first three games of the match, Machac seized control, playing with controlled aggression and the occasional flair to put Fritz on the back foot. He earned 10 break points in the match, converting two of them according to Infosys ATP Stats.
But Fritz broke the Czech’s serve at 3-5 in the second set to stay alive and that proved critical in the pair’s second Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting (the American was victorious in five sets at Roland Garros in 2020).
As has happened in previous matches in Sydney, Czech captain Daniel Vacek massaged his player’s legs during a changeover. But on this occasion, it was not enough to prevent Machac’s retirement.
The United States will now take on Iga Swiatek, Hubert Hurkacz and Poland on Sunday for the trophy.
“It’s great to be back. That was a crazy match, very physical and it’s not the way that I that I guess I want to win,” Fritz said. “But I think we’re all happy that we’re back in the final again.”
Earlier, World No. 3 Gauff engineered a dominant performance Saturday to move the United States to within a point of advancing to the United Cup final. Gauff raced through a 6-1, 6-4 victory over No.22 Karolina Muchova to improve to a perfect 4-0 against the talented Czech.
“It’s never easy against Karolina,” Gauff said. “The whole match I was intense and focussed and I think that made the difference today. Happy to get my team off to a a good start here in Sydney.”
Gauff was prophetic when she looked ahead to the challenge her countryman Fritz faced against Mahac.
“It’s a tough match, Machac is a great player,” Gauff said. “I have full confidence in Taylor. He’s a great player, he has one of the best mindsets on Tour. I don’t take that lightly. After spending time with him at the Olympics on the mixed court, and then today and this past week, this is just the beginning. That’s why today I have a lot of confidence he’ll pull out the win. And if not, I’ll be ready to play mixed.”
The Americans took home the title two years ago in the event’s inaugural edition, with Fritz partnering Jessica Pegula to deliver the win.
Entering Saturday night’s showdown at Ken Rosewall Arena, Gauff had never lost a set to Muchova, winning all six contested. Showing no signs of fatigue from the cross-country trip from Perth, Gauff came out of the gates hot and confident. She needed less than 10 minutes to build a 3-0 lead and closed out the opening set by saving two break points in her final game.
Gauff led 4-2 in the second set before Muchova settled in and broke the American’s serve for the first time, doing it in style with a pitch-perfect volley. But Gauff’s baseline defence proved too much for Muchova. The Czech handed the break back with an errant game and Gauff served out the 90-minute win.
Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff showcased their incredible talent and determination as they led the United States to the United Cup final.Fritz, the rising star of American tennis, put on a masterclass performance as he defeated his opponents with ease, displaying his powerful serves and impeccable groundstrokes. His impressive win streak helped propel the United States to the final, where they will face off against a formidable opponent.
On the other hand, Gauff, the teenage sensation, proved once again why she is considered one of the brightest prospects in women’s tennis. Her tenacity and skill on the court were on full display as she dominated her matches and secured crucial victories for her team.
Together, Fritz and Gauff have united the nation in support of their incredible performances and unwavering determination. Fans are eagerly anticipating the final match, where they will undoubtedly continue to shine and lead the United States to victory in the United Cup.
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Hubert Hurkacz, Iga Swiatek return Poland to United Cup final | ATP Tour
United Cup
Hurkacz, Swiatek return Poland to United Cup final
Poles await winner of United States and Czechia
January 04, 2025
Peter Staples/ATP Tour
Hubert Hurkacz drops just five games in a commanding win over Alexander Shevchenko in the United Cup semi-finals.
By ATP/WTA StaffIga Swiatek sent Poland soaring into its second straight United Cup final by battling past one of her most challenging rivals in their semi-final tie in Sydney on Saturday.
In a clash between Top 10 players and Grand Slam champions, Swiatek bested Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina 7-6(5), 6-4, sealing an insurmountable 2-0 lead for the 2024 runners-up. Hubert Hurkacz had queued Swiatek up by giving Poland the 1-0 lead with a swift victory over Alexander Shevchenko.
“I think that’s the first time I was able to win with Elena on a faster surface, so it means a lot. I for sure didn’t start well, I felt like I [was] on the hand-brake a bit,” Swiatek said.
“I wanted to really work and change the momentum, and I’m happy that I kind of did that at the last possible chance in the first set. I kind of told myself that I’m not going to miss anymore, and I’m happy because for sure it was tough. It’s always tough against Elena.”
One of the rare players who regularly troubles five-time major champion Swiatek, 2022 Wimbledon champion Rybakina came into Saturday’s match having won four of their six previous meetings. Indeed, Rybakina’s deep, imposing hitting in the early stages again troubled Swiatek, who misfired on multiple forehands to cede a 5-3 lead to the Kazakh.
Staring down another deficit against Rybakina, Swiatek clicked into gear, accelerating through rally groundstrokes and breaking back for 5-5 on her fourth break point of that game. Swiatek then had two set points at 6-5, but Rybakina powered through a 13-minute game to hold on and scrap into the tie-break.
After the first eight points of the breaker went to the returner, Rybakina fired two consecutive backhands long to give Swiatek another pair of set points. Swiatek converted her fourth chance after 72 minutes to narrowly close out the first set.
After missing out on two early break points in the second set, Swiatek took control for good by breaking Rybakina at love for a 4-3 lead. Swiatek had to use exceptional defense to save one break point in the final game, and the former World No.1 held on for the win. Swiatek now holds a 12-1 singles record at United Cup.
In the day’s opening match, Hurkacz continued his short and long-term redemption at the United Cup by dismissing Shevchenko 6-3, 6-2.
After losing both his singles matches in group play to Casper Ruud and Tomas Machac, Hurkacz backed up his quarter-final win over Billy Harris with a 58-minute victory over the Kazakhstani to set things up for World No. 2 teammate Iga Swiatek, who now plays former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.
Hurkacz last year held two championship points in the tournament final against Alexander Zverev only to see the current World No. 2 rally to a comeback win and then team with Laura Siegemund to beat him and Swiatek in the deciding mixed doubles.
“The last match here gave me a little bit of confidence and I’ve been playing better with every single match,” said Hurkacz, who is No. 16 in the PIF ATP Rankings.
After struggling against the weight of shot in his defeats to Ruud and Machac, Hurkacz was the one to dictate from the baseline against Shevchenko. He was also dominated on serve, putting 76 per cent of his first deliveries into play, winning 80 per cent of first-serve points and 73 per cent of second-serve points according to Infosys ATP Stats.
Shevchenko played his best tennis early in the second set when he had more success moving Hurkacz out of the centre of the court, but after missing a 30-all opportunity in the fourth game, he made three unforced errors to get broken to love in the following game and never recovered.
Hurkacz now leads Shevchenko 4-0 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series.
Hubert Hurkacz and Iga Swiatek have made history by leading Poland to the United Cup final, showcasing their incredible talent and skill on the court. Both players have been in top form throughout the tournament, defeating tough opponents and displaying their strong mental fortitude.Hurkacz, known for his powerful serve and aggressive playing style, has been unstoppable in his matches, dominating his opponents with his precise shot-making and strategic play. Swiatek, on the other hand, has been showcasing her versatility and athleticism, outplaying her opponents with her speed and agility.
Together, Hurkacz and Swiatek have proven to be a formidable duo, combining their strengths to lead Poland to the final of the United Cup. Their success is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the sport, as well as their resilience in the face of tough competition.
Fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the final match, where Poland will face off against a strong opponent. With Hurkacz and Swiatek at the helm, Poland has a strong chance of coming out on top and making history in the world of tennis.
Stay tuned for more updates on the United Cup final and the incredible performances of Hurkacz and Swiatek as they continue to showcase their talent on the international stage. Let’s cheer on Poland as they aim to bring home the title! #UnitedCupFinal #Hurkacz #Swiatek #PolandPride
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ATP Brisbane 2025: Mensik advances, Mpetschi Perricard surprises, and Opelka amazes
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Quentin Halys vs Jacob Bradshaw
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A vibrant morning of tennis was experienced at the ATP 250 Brisbane 2025 with the playing of three matches where two of the circuit’s big hitters advanced firmly to the quarterfinals. Giovanni Mpetschi-Perricard caused an upset by defeating Tiafoe 6-4 7-6 (4), setting up a match now with Jakub Mensik who won 6-3 6-2 against Lajovic. Additionally, Reilly Opelka overcame Arnaldi with a 7-6 (9) 7-6 (4) victory and awaits Djokovic or Monfils.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, ATP Brisbane 2025: Mensik avanza, Mpetschi Perricard da sorpresa y Opelka asombra
The ATP Brisbane 2025 tournament kicked off with some exciting matches, as rising star Mensik advanced to the next round with a convincing victory. However, it was the surprise performance of Mpetschi Perricard that stole the show, as the underdog defeated a top seed to make it to the quarterfinals.Meanwhile, in a display of sheer talent and skill, Opelka amazed fans with his powerful serves and precise shots, dominating his opponents throughout the tournament. With each match, he continues to impress and solidify his place as a top contender.
As the competition heats up in Brisbane, fans can expect more thrilling matches and surprises as the tournament progresses. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from this exciting event.
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