The Australian Open is still at scorching temperatures as we head to the Round of 64, pitting Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka against powerful Carlos Alcaraz. This match will indeed be an interesting style clash: Nishioka's quick footwork and defensive finesse pitted against Alcaraz's relentless power and precision. Both come into this match after contrasting victories in the first round, so all the ingredients for a thrilling encounter are present. Can the tenacious Nishioka cause an upset, or is Alcaraz going to show his mettle?
Claim Your Welcome BonusYoshihito Nishioka
Coming into this match, World No. 65 Yoshihito Nishioka struggled to win a gutsy four-set encounter against Aziz Dougaz. Having started badly, Nishioka did show a lot of fight to eventually seal the deal with some consistent baseline hitting and tactical play.
His numbers speak to durability: he saves 62% of break points but converts 5 of the break points he sees. His more limited first serve at 60% and winning only 25% of first-serve return points, though, identify some things to work on against Alcaraz. Nishioka's key strength is the way he swallows pace, generates errors, and takes the ball out, keeping his opponent in long rallies-a tactic that will test the patience of Alcaraz.
Carlos Alcaraz
Defending US Open champion and current world No. 3, Carlos Alcaraz, cruised into the second round with a straight-sets win over Alexander Shevchenko. It was a commanding showing from the 21-year-old Spaniard throughout as he hit 6 aces and converted 8 break points with a solid first-serve percentage of 59% in the match.
With his explosive shot-making and athleticism, Alcaraz is able to mix power with agility. With heavy topspin forehands and dynamic net play, he can force his opponents into suboptimal positions and is an opponent to be feared on any surface. Alcaraz will look to assert his game early on against Nishioka and capitalize on the Japanese player's weaker serve to secure yet another convincing victory.
Expert Betting Tips
This is a total contrast in styles: it is Nishioka's counterbalancing and court coverage against Alcaraz's probably erratic play. But given the unequivocal firepower and finishing of points of Alcaraz, it will definitely weigh heavily in his favor.
He will have to continue the rallies and make full use of Alcaraz's lows in consistency, especially on second serves. Alcaraz, though, will go deep with his powerful groundstrokes and aggressive returns-of-serves to negate the defensive capabilities of Nishioka.
Alcaraz to Win First Set (-2.5 Games): Yes, Alcaraz tends to start the match strong, a commanding first set is well within reach. (1xbet: 1.72 Odds)
Total Sets 3: Alcaraz usually closes matches pretty quickly, and this match is no exception with prolonged sets or tiebreaks. (Bet365: 1.60 Odds)
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