Dusan Lajovic vs Roberto Bautista-Agut: Another victory for Roberto over Dusan?

The Spaniards are very close to clinching a playoff spot, for which a defeat against the Serbs may be enough for the Pyrenees, but not a 0-3 but a 1-2 defeat. That said, there is little doubt that the Spanish team will still do everything possible to still beat the Serbs, who defeated the Spaniards in the final two years ago. However, at that time, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal were in the line-up.

Lajovic lost both ATP Cup-2022 matches, first 0-2 to Ruud and then dropped his match against Garin. It is difficult to call Lajovic the real leader of the Serbian team. And by status, Dusan is not very suitable for such a role, especially with Djokovic at his side. Most likely, Novak not being able to come to Sydney was a big blow for Dusan himself. One can hardly expect anything extraordinary from Lajovic in the upcoming game.

Two matches in Sydney - two confident 2-0 wins over Garin and Ruud. The Spaniard is in great form, as is the entire Spanish national team. They feel they can take the title now, even with Nadal's injury. Russia does not have a strong second, and their pairing is poor. The Germans have the same problems as the Russians. It would be a good idea to take revenge against the Serbs for their defeat in the ATP Cup-2020 final.

Casper is showing unbelievable tennis. He was very good last season, but today I was really good. I was very aggressive and didn't make any unnecessary mistakes. I want to do more matches like that because I work on training. Against Ruud, I concentrated on receiving and tried not to give him easy balls, which he usually does from midcourt. I hit him under the backhand and went to the net to press him constantly. It was a great day, a big win for me.

Roberto Bautista-Agut, after beating Casper Ruud

Bautista-Agut and Lajovic know each other well, having played six times on the tour. All six head-to-head encounters, including twice in Australia, have ended in favour of the Spaniard. Lajovic is a comfortable match for the Spaniard, and we don't think he'll have much trouble winning the title in his next encounter. Here are the odds for the game: W2+Total Under (19.5) for 2.20, Handicap 2 (-6.5) for 2.78.