Dominic Thiem vs Novak Djokovic Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Australian Open

Prediction published on 31/01/2020, 08:25  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 31/01/2020 at 09:25 in ATP Australian Open Predictions

Novak Djokovic bids to retain the Australian Open title and return to the top of the rankings. Standing between him and his eighth title is Dominic Thiem who is in his first Grand Slam final away from Paris. Djokovic has made a dominant start to the new year. He remained unbeaten in the ATP Cup as he led Serbia to victory. He dropped a set in the first round in this tournament but since then has won every set played. He beat Roger Federer in the semi-finals to reach his eight final in this tournament. Djokovic must love playing in Australian Open finals because he's never lost one.

Dominic Thiem is seeded fifth for this tournament and is beginning to show that he's not just someone to back in a clay court event. He reached the final of the ATP Tour Finals at the end of last year and that included a win over Djokovic. Before this tournament, his best performance at the Australian Open had been the fourth round in both 2017 and 2018. He has lost in the last two French Open finals but his only other Grand Slam quarter final had been at the 2018 US Open. In this tournament, Thiem has recorded wins over seeded opponents Taylor Fritz, Gael Monfils, world number one Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev. He has improved as the tournament has progressed, having had to go to five sets to defeat wild card Alex Bolt in the second round after trailing 2-1. Djkovic has won six of their previous ten meetings with a 3-1 lead on hard courts. The Serb is in top form and that usually means another title is just around the corner. Go for Djokovic to win this match.