Max Purcell vs Aleksandar Vukic Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP US Open

Prediction published on 26/08/2024, 09:01  by Steve Ashfield in ATP US Open Predictions

We'll definitely have an Australian player in the second round of the hard court US Open. That's because Max Purcell faces Aleksandar Vukic in this first round match. Here's our prediction for this all-Australian clash.

Aleksandar Vukic is playing his third US Open and is still waiting for his first win.  He'll find this match against Purcell easier than than last year when he was drawn against one of the top seeds Alexander Zverev.

Currently 88th in the live rankings, Vukic had a good run in Winston Salem last week. He had wins over Dan Evans and Adrian Mannarino before being beaten in the last 16 by Pablo Carreno Busta.

His best results on the ATP Tour this year have come on grass. On hard courts, he did reach the semi-finals of a Challenger Tour event, losing to Matteo Berrettini with both sets going to a tie-break.

Max Purcell has only won one of his five previous matches against Vukic. That sole win came in an indoor hard court tournament played three years ago. Vukic has won the other two matches they've played on hard courts.

Purcell is 95th in the live list and doing much better at doubles where he's ranked 18th. The Australian has been struggling on hard courts in recent weeks. Four of his five matches played have ended in defeat.

All but one of those matches saw a tie-break played. A bet on one in this match is a good side bet. Purcell did get to the last eight but no seeded players were beaten. He's also never won a main draw match here and we go for Vukic to win this match.