Ricky Dimon
Show Bio
The Australian Open is just a week away, so players have one more chance to fine-tune their games in time for the tennis season’s first Grand Slam. This week’s ATP events are taking place in Adelaide and Auckland, and although they are smaller tournaments (fields of 28 and 250 ranking points awarded to the champion) the draws look quite good. Adelaide boasts an especially strong entry list, which includes Andrey Rublev, Pablo Carreno Busta, Roberto Bautista Agut and Karen Khachanov.
With the Aussie Open on the immediate horizon, it’s time for me to present my first tennis predictions and best bets of the 2023 campaign!
Adelaide International odds
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Andrey Rublev +333
Pablo Carreno Busta +500
Roberto Bautista Agut +500
Karen Khachanov +700
Brandon Nakashima +1100
Miomir Kecmanovic +1200
Jack Draper +1600
Tommy Paul +1800
Arthur Rinderknech +2000
Thanasi Kokkinakis +2000
Dan Evans +2000
Maxime Cressy +2000
3-star value play: Andrey Rublev (+333)
In weeks immediately preceding Grand Slams, players’ motivation levels are among the most important aspects when it comes to handicapping. Are they emotionally invested in the current tournament or are they more interested in packing their bags and looking ahead toward the upcoming major? In Rublev’s case, he should be focused on the task at hand. The Russian got a tough draw last week in Adelaide and lost right away to Roberto Bautista Agut, so he has played only one match so far this year. He will be eager to get some more under his belt before the Melbourne festivities begin. Rublev is the top seed, quite simply the best player in the field and has a favorable path through the bracket.
2-star value play: Jack Draper (+1600)
The most dangerous unseeded players are on the bottom half of the draw away from Rublev. That contingent includes Jack Draper, who has climbed to 40th in the rankings at just 21 years old. The left-hander won 19 matches on the main tour last season, having previously won just 2 in his career. Draper has never captured an ATP title, but strange things often happen in weeks leading into a Grand Slam – and a title for the Brit really wouldn’t be that strange.
1-star value play: Brandon Nakashima (+1100)
Like Draper, Brandon Nakashima was one of the breakthrough players on tour in 2022. The 21-year-old compiled a 35-23 record on the main tour, with 7 of his victories coming at majors (including a fourth-round performance at Wimbledon). His second half of the season also included a title in San Diego and a title at the year-end NextGen ATP Finals. Quite simply, Nakashima was on an absolute roll and there is no reason to think he will slow down in 2023. The American’s draw is not easy, but at +1100 he is worth a small play.
The Pickswise tennis handicappers are on hand throughout the entire tennis season, bringing you the best free expert Tennis predictions and picks from top events including the U.S. Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the Australian Open.
