2024 Australian Open Best Bets – Day 9
The 2023 tennis season feels like it ended just yesterday, but the 2024 Australian Open is here. There’s going to be tons of high-level action in Melbourne Park over the next week or so, and that presents all sorts of opportunities for bettors. Throughout the course of the 2024 tennis season, VSiN will have you covered with daily best bet write-ups for some of the biggest events of the year. That starts with the 2024 Australian Open, and we’re tackling the action for January 21 and 22 here. Keep reading for all of my best bets and check back throughout the day. I’ll add some plays if I see some numbers I like later on.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts are betting!
2024 Record: 29-29 (-0.71 units)
Miomir Kecmanovic vs. Carlos Alcaraz
Kecmanovic battled Alcaraz in a three-set match in Miami two years ago, and that was one that the Serbian almost won. Alcaraz has obviously taken his game to another level since then, but I still think it’ll be tough for him to win this match in straights. We constantly see the Spaniard’s level drop off temporarily, and Kecmanovic will take advantage if it does. This is already a tough matchup for Alcaraz, as he goes out of his way to play with flair. That sometimes hurts him in matches, and Kecmanovic has a no-nonsense style. He’ll look to play reactive tennis, while also swinging big when he has openings. He’s also a good returner and Alcaraz isn’t a great server. That said, I like Kecmanovic to win a set at plus-money odds. The Spaniard should win this match and be a real threat to win the Australian Open, but Kecmanovic should show us something here.
Bet: Kecmanovic +2.5 Sets (+150 – 2 units)
Anna Kalinskaya vs. Jasmine Paolini
I had Kalinskaya to beat Sloane Stephens in her last match and she came through in what was ultimately a thrilling battle. Kalinskaya now has a much easier match-up, as she’ll face Paolini for a spot in the quarterfinals. Paolini actually won the last time these two clashed, but that was years ago. Kalinskaya is a much better player than she was then, and I also think her game is perfectly suited for the Australian Open. Kalinskaya plays good enough defense to cover the court, and her forehand is a real weapon on this quick surface. She’s also a very solid returner, which should be big here. I expect her to constantly put pressure on the Paolini serve. That should help her win somewhat easily.
Bet: Kalinskaya ML (-144 – 2 units)
Added Plays
PARLAY – Azarenka ML & Norrie +2.5 Sets (+108 – 2 units)
Cam Norrie +2.5 Sets (-185 – 2 units) vs. Alexander Zverev
Daniil Medvedev -2.5 Sets (-156 – 2 units) vs. Nuno Borges
