A blockbuster final matchup in Sydney pits top seed Aslan Karatsev against former world No. 1 Andy Murray on Saturday. A more surprising championship matchup in Adelaide features Arthur Rinderknech and Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Sydney Tennis Classic: (1) Aslan Karatsev vs. (WC) Andy Murray
Murray’s decision to take a late wild card into Sydney certainly proved to be the right one. The 34-year-old Scot needed some more match practice prior to the Australian Open after losing right away last week in Melbourne, and that is exactly he is getting. Murray has defeated Viktor Durasovic, No. 2 seed Nikoloz Basilashvili, David Goffin (via retirement following the first set), and Reilly Opelka, earning a place in his 69th ATP final.
Up next for Murray on Saturday is a first-ever meeting with Karatsev. The 20th-ranked Russian opened with a straight-set victory over Miomir Kecmanovic but then needed three sets against both Lorenzo Sonego and Dan Evans. Karatsev is playing well, but is he consistent enough to hit through Murray’s defense over the course of what — if he is to win — would surely be a long, physical contest? Probably not.
Pick: Murray in 2
Adelaide International 2: Arthur Rinderknech vs. (WC) Thanasi Kokkinakis
Rinderknech and Kokkinakis will obviously be going head-to-head for the first time in their careers, as well, when they clash in the Adelaide final on Saturday night. While Rinderknech is just now announcing himself on tour, Kokkinakis has been off the main tour for the better part of four years now because of injuries. This is a statement-making week for both men–one that potentially sets the stage for big success in 2022.
With a maiden ATP title on the line for each player, it is a huge occasion. But the situation may be tougher for Kokkinakis, who faces the pressure of getting the job done in front of a raucous home croud while also hoping to recover from several grueling matches. The 145th-ranked Australian is coming off three consecutive three-setters, whereas Rinderknech won both his quarter and semi in straight sets–including over Karen Khachanov on Thursday. Much to the chagrin of the Adelaide faithful, this sets up well for the 58th-ranked Frenchman.
Pick: Rinderknech in 2
WWW?
Will be great preparation for the AO for all of these guys.
Murray and Rinderknech.
Murray & Kokk
The predictions have been terrible. I just tailed your picks because you picked them in 2 but they are way off the mark.
Tenngrand is always a good place for some decent predictions, but I really miss some of the people who used to post their picks in the chat here. There have been like 4-5 people in this chat over the years, who really had some great picks and predictions in the daily picks chat, but they seem to have gone sadly. SomniumPicks on twitter is also a good place for predictions and bets, and sometimes theres also people posting a gold on reddit from time to time, but I really miss just 1 big tennis forum where all the goods pickers would post their predictions.
Well if he loses the case, he’ll be toast for the next three years (at the AO)! It’s really high risk for him, moreover with this saga, I doubt he’ll be well prepared for this AO.
Frankly, I see Zverev as the favourite for this AO (I was hoping that Rafa could avoid Zverev’s quarter, too bad!). Zverev is playing well (winning the Olympics gave him so much confidence and he went on to win the WTF!). Zverev had reached three SFs of the slams out of all four that he played, very good results! Not even Meddy could do that nor Tsitsipas.
Sorry posted in the wrong thread.