tennis | Friday, January 27, 2023 2:32 PM (Revised at: Friday, January 27, 2023 3:04 PM)

Sunday Tennis Best Bet: ATP Australian Open Final, Novak Djokovic vs Stefanos Tsitsipas

Jon Reid

Novak Djokovic vs Stefanos Tsitsipas Best Bet: Sunday, January 29th

It’s finals day No. 2, as the finale of the men’s draw takes place from Melbourne Park.

After some surprises along the way, with many seeds being toppled relatively early, two of the pre-tournament favourites are still contesting the final, and it should be a dandy.

Novak Djokovic has looked almost unstoppable, absolutely dominating every opponent he’s played, and dropping just a single set through six matches.

As for Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Greek has once again found himself deep into the second week of a grand slam, as he tried to finally snag the ever-elusive maiden title.

In this article:

Novak Djokovic vs Stefanos Tsitsipas Preview
Novak Djokovic vs Stefanos Tsitsipas Best Bet

Novak Djokovic vs Stefanos Tsitsipas Preview

January 29th, TBD (UK Time)

Djokovic’s quest to continue re-writing the record books is just a match away from another chapter being complete.

Already the record-holder for most titles won at this event with nine, a win against Tsitsipas would move him into a tie with Rafael Nadal for first all time in total grand slams won (keep in mind, he’s in much better physical shape and is a few years younger than his Spanish counterpart).

His combination of a very strong serve, incredible attacking prowess, savvy tactical play and the best defending and returning of all time has seen him win each match he’s played to this point by a minimum of six games. Granted Tsitsipas is by far the best opponent he’s played to date, but on a relatively quick court, that backhand wing should prove to be rather decisive for the veteran.

The Greek’s serve will certainly play up even more in the quicker conditions (though playing at night should help Djokovic weather that storm a bit), but his one-handed backhand will have less time and against one of the better backhands we’ve ever seen, that could prove to be disastrous.

After four meetings last season were all won by Djokovic – including three in slower conditions that should have helped the younger challenger – it’s hard to see why things would change now in some of Novak’s favourite conditions on tour and in a best-of-five set match, where the top talent is even tougher to take down.

Novak Djokovic vs Stefanos Tsitsipas Best Bet

Once again, we have a finalist for the Australian Open from the article written in December during the offseason, as Djokovic has breezed through his draw to reach the final.

On a quest to win his 10th Australian Open title, I’m not sure opposing him is the best move in this case. Even the hedge isn’t nearly as enticing for two reasons.

For starters, there isn’t nearly as much potential profit to work with. Second, I don’t see nearly as much value on Tsitsipas to win, considering the markets have him winning a shade over 20% of the time – which I actually think is generous.

In fact, I’m not one to back away from a double down with an outright in a final when the situation calls for it. I had this handicap pegged around 6.5 games, so the -6 at over evens is certainly a possibility I’m willing to play for minimal stakes.