Thursday Australian Open Best Bets & Analysis (Jan. 20)
Aaron Francis/Getty. Pictured: An overhead view of Rod Laver Arena for the match between Naomi Osaka and Madison Brengle.
It's time for third round action at the Australian Open, and there are a number of good options to take advantage of, according to our analysts.
Here is how we're evaluating the slate, which includes some highlight names including Naomi Osaka and Rafa Nadal.
Victoria Azarenka vs. Elina Svitolina
7 p.m. ET projected start time
When two of the best baseliners in the game go at it, you're always in store for good tennis, but will that result in a tight match?
David Gertler isn't exactly sure, and he's backing Azarenka to keep her tournament rolling.
Carlos Alcaraz vs. Matteo Berrettini
9:30 p.m. ET projected start time
The 18-year old Alcaraz is favored against a man that's made two slam quarterfinals, a semifinal and a final? That's right.
No one in the men's game is generating more hype than Alcaraz, and Kenny Ducey believes that's generating a great spot for Berrettini.
Denis Shapovalov vs. Reilly Opelka
9:30 p.m. ET projected start time
Shapovalov has been tested in each of the first two rounds of the Aussie Open, and Ducey doesn't think it's time to back the Canadian.
Opelka has quietly been going about his business and has become a better player off the ground, meaning he's an attractive play at plus-money.
Naomi Osaka vs. Amanda Anisimova
4 a.m. ET projected start time
In the night owl section of the day's order of play, Gertler is looking for the American Anisimova to continue her fine run of form and push Osaka in this match.
It's an interesting stylistic matchup that is sure to produce fireworks, and Gertler is taking his position because of it.
Rafa Nadal vs. Karen Khachanov
4:15 a.m. ET projected start time
Nadal has cruised in his first two rounds, and he's lost just one set in his career to Khachanov.
Does that mean he'll do it again on Friday morning? Not so fast, says Avery Zimmerman, who has been really impressed with the level that Khachanov has brought down under.
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