Novak Djokovic vs Alexei Popyrin Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Australian Open

Prediction published on 15/01/2024, 11:00  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 15/01/2024 at 11:59 in ATP Australian Open Predictions

Ten time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic faces unseeded Alexei Popyrin in the second round. The winner takes on either 30th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry or unseeded veteran Gaels Monfils in the last 32 of this hard court Grand Slam tournament. Djokovic won his first round match against qualifier Dino Prizmic in four sets, losing the second via a tie-break. He remarked afterwards how he'd just beaten a player who was only half his age. This is his first singles tournament of the year. He did play in the United Cup team event and won two matches before losing to Alex de Minaur when not quite 100% fit. Only injury would cause him to lose this match against Popyrin.

There's only been one previous meeting between the pair. That was played five years ago and Djokovic won in straight sets for the loss of six games. The match was played on a hard court which is the surface for this second meeting. Popyrin will have his home crowd cheering him on but he'll need more than that to beat the top seed. The Australian began this tournament ranked 43rd and that's four places below his career best. Before this tournament he reached the second round in Brisbane. Round one of this Grand Slam saw him beat Marc Polmans in straight sets  He's made it to the third round of this event three times. That's unlikely this year though and we tip Djokovic to win in straight sets.