Cameron Norrie vs Roman Safiullin Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Australian Open

Prediction published on 10/02/2021, 07:11  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 10/02/2021 at 08:11 in Tennis Predictions

British player Cameron Norrie has only once reached the third round of a Grand Slam. He bids to double that total with a second round win over qualifier Roman Safiullen. Norrie is ranked 69th in the world but has already had a successful 2021. He reached the semi-finals of the Delray Beach Open last month, before losing to Sebastian Korda. On his way to the last four, Norrie defeated Adrian Mannarino, currently ranked 34th. In the first round of this tournament, it was a Battle of the Brits as Norrie took on number 30 seed Dan Evans. His opponent was fresh from winning his first ATP tour title but Norrie came from a set down to knock Evans out. Norrie's previous best in a Grand Slam was reaching the third round of the US Open last year. The winner of this match is likely to face Rafael Nadal in the third round.

Roman Safiullen is ranked 183rd in the world and had to qualify to reach this main draw. The Russian is no stranger to this tournament as he won the junior title in 2015. His professional career has been a bit of a struggle though and his highest ever ranking has been 174th achieved last February. He had to win three matches to get through to the main draw. The highest ranked opponent he beat was Oscar Otte, currently 147th. The final qualifying round saw him defeat world number 221 Constant Lestienne after losing the first set. He built on that with a first round win overworld number 110 Ilya Ivashka without dropping a set. This is a step up in class now for the player who usually takes part in Challenger tournaments. Go for Norrie to get the win,