Australia vs Croatia Prediction: Croatia in the Lead

Australia vs Croatia will take place on Friday 25th November, 2022 at an indoor hard court in Martin Carpena in Malaga, Spain.

Jordan Thompson, Australia's last-minute second choice, entered the fray on Tuesday to face Tallon Griekspoor, and the gamble paid off with a comeback victory for the world number 84. This relieved pressure on world number 24 Alex de Minaur's match against Botic van de Zandschulp, with avoiding the Netherlands' excellent doubles partnership the absolute must of the day. De Minaur, 23, also came back from a set down to beat a spirited Van de Zandschulp in three thrilling sets to help Australia advance 2-0.

Croatia appeared to be the team to beat heading into the Davis Cup Finals this week, and they showed it right away, defeating hosts Spain 2-0 in Malaga. Marin Cilic finished runner-up to Russia here last season alongside Borna Gojo, but the addition of former world number 12 Borna Coric, back on tour after a year off, proved the difference early on, as he beat Davis Cup stalwart Roberto Bautista Agut in straight sets to get things started. Cilic then came back from a set down to defeat an inspired Pablo Carreno Busta in straight sets, eliminating the need for a doubles decider.

A 1-0 lead for Croatia puts all of the burden on Alex de Minaur to deliver for Australia, which frequently brings out the best in the teenager. It should feel like a home game for De Minaur, who grew up in Spain and has a Spanish mother, with neutrals hoping for a doubles decider. Marin Cilic remains a serious competitor, but he will have to be prepared for the level De Minaur can find under these conditions, and each of their three meetings has gone the distance, with the Croat leading the head-to-head record 2-1. For these reasons, bet on Croatia to win outright or risk a 2-1 result.

• 1x2 Australia for 2.89
• 1x2 Croatia for 1.4