Jaime Faria vs Pavel Kotov Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Australian Open

Prediction published on 10/01/2025, 09:44  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 10/01/2025 at 09:48 in ATP Australian Open Predictions

The qualifier Jaime Faria will face off with unseeded Pavel Kotov in the first round of the Australian Open. A second-round battle with Novak Djokovic or Nishesh Basavareddy will await the winner. Below is our prediction for this match.

Jaime Faria has qualified for the main draw of a major for the first time. He won all of his three qualifiers, two by straight sets.

The 21-year-old, who sits 125th in the live ranking, defeated world number 234 Mark Lajal via decider in his final qualifier. Faria, who has won two challenger titles, made his tour debut last season.

Pavel Kotov is the more experienced player in this tie. A one-time tour finalist, Kotov is making his seventh appearance in the main draw at a major. 

Last year he made it to the second round in Melbourne for the first time and also qualified for the French Open third round. He will hope to surpass his performances from last season and get off this poor start to the season. 

Kotov has lost twice in three appearances, picking up from how he ended the previous campaign. The 26-year-old, who is ranked 97th in the live ranking, has lost eight of his last nine matches.