The most successful player in the history of the men’s Australian Open will be looking to take a step closer to winning a tenth title Down Under this week. Novak Djokovic has been sensational throughout the Grand Slam this year, but he could face an unlikely threat from unseeded American Tommy Paul.
Going into the Australian Open, the 25-year-old had never previously reached the fourth round of a Slam, which highlights just how much of an outsider he will be in the Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul betting analysis. However, you can find the latest Australian Open odds and Australian Open picks for the semi-final clash here.
Last Game Records
Interestingly, this will be the first tennis matchup meeting between Djokovic and Paul. However, the American does have a fine record against players that have been ranked number one in the world.
Paul boasts wins over Carlos Alcaraz, Andy Murray, and Rafael Nadal. Meanwhile, he has picked up a further nine wins from 27 meetings with players ranked in the top five.
Novak Djokovic vs. Tommy Paul Information
Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul
Location of the game: Rod Laver Arena. Melbourne, Australia.
Date: Thursday, January 26. 9:30 PM CT.
How To Watch: ESPN+
Novak Djokovic vs. Tommy Paul Betting Analysis
Djokovic Looks Formidable
It is hard to accurately explain just how dominant Novak Djokovic has been throughout this tournament. Studying the Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul betting analysis will show that the Serbian has dropped just a single set since the Grand Slam got underway.
That set was dropped in his second-round showdown against Enzo Couacaud, and at that point, the fourth-seed’s participation in the remainder of the tournament looked cloudy as he was suffering from a recurring injury.
However, any doubts surrounding Djokovic’s ability to contend with the tennis schedule while carrying an injury have been routinely answered since. He blasted past Gregor Dimitrov and Alex de Minaur in the third and fourth rounds in straight sets, dropping just five games in the latter.
However, his best performance came in the quarterfinals, as he showed no fatigue against the impressive Andrey Rublev. The Russian struggled to contain Djokovic, as the Serbian took the opening set 6-1. That dominance would only continue, as the former world number one won in straight sets, dropping just six further games in the following two sets.
Paul Looking For Seismic Performance
There is no denying that the 25-year-old is the outsider in the Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul betting analysis. The American has done remarkably well to reach this stage of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.
The tennis stats will show that this is Paul’s first-ever singles semi-final appearance in a major event, with his only quarterfinal matches coming in the Canadian Open and Paris Masters.
In truth, this bold showing has come from nowhere. Before the start of the Australian Open, Paul’s best appearance saw him reach the third round of the Grand Slam Down Under in 2020. While his best Slam run came when reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon last year.
But, it could be argued that his route to this stage was made slightly easier following the departures of second-seed Casper Ruud in the second round, and Matteo Berrettini in the first round. Still, credit should be given to Paul, as he has seen off every challenge put in front of him.
The American eliminated Roberto Bautista Agut in four sets in the fourth round, before beating compatriot Ben Shelton 3-1 in sets in the quarterfinals.
Novak Djokovic vs. Tommy Paul Betting Analysis
Moneyline:
Novak Djokovic: -1600
Tommy Paul: +900
Over/Under:
Over 30.5 Games: -125
Under 30.5 Games: -110
Novak Djokovic vs. Tommy Paul Betting Prediction
Paul has enjoyed an excellent run to a first Grand Slam semi-final appearance. Unfortunately for him is extremely hard to see that fairytale run continuing to the final. Djokovic has risen his game easily as the rounds have progressed, and the manner of his victory over Rublev in the quarterfinals was staggering.
It’s hard to put up anything other than a win for the nine-time champion in our tennis picks, and it could be a routine passage through to the final with a 3-0 success.
Pick: Novak Djokovic 3-0 (-163)
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