It is, indeed, going to be a thrilling encounter at the Australian Open Round of 64 as Taylor Fritz, USA's world No. 4, comes face-to-face with Chile's unseeded underdog Cristian Garin. Having both commanded a straight-set result in the opening round, though, there's more in these two tales before they landed to this very match stage. Both players head into the challenge with a touch of confidence from Fritz to Garin reawakening with a high-rank competitor. This match, scheduled for 16th January 2025, is all set to be an intriguing battle of power and resilience under Melbourne's spotlight.
Claim Your Welcome BonusTaylor Fritz
Ranked 4th in the world, Taylor Fritz has been one of the most consistent performers on the ATP Tour. The 26-year-old American, known for his booming serve and aggressive groundstrokes, is also capable of dictating play from the baseline. Fritz's dominant first-round win against fellow American Jenson Brooksby 6-2, 6-0, 6-3 underlined his ability to close matches with clinical efficiency.
In that encounter, Fritz hit 7 aces to just one double fault and converted six break points while saving all that came his way. Fairly remarkably, the break-point save percentage was an unbelievable 100%, showing the strength of his nerves at moments of intense pressure. Fritz won 34% of his first-serve return points and really brought the house down on his opponent with how effectively he produced results on the back of his opponent's serve. Powerful and top-5 ranked, Fritz is the favourite coming into this encounter.
Cristian Garin
Cristian Garin, ranked 150th, is one of the top-20 players trying to get back into the big league. In the first round of the Australian Open, he took down Borna Coric in a five-set match (5-7, 1-6, 2-6) and showed some grit and shots. Garin's victory over Coric was based on his return game. He broke Coric seven times and put constant pressure on his opponent's serve.
However, Garin's 55% first-serve percentage and lack of break point saving (0%) reveal weaknesses to a player of Fritz's standing. The court coverage and prolonged rallies that he would cover will be crucial if he is to try and make things difficult for Fritz. There's a great chance that the Chilean may impose some difficulties, but he'll need to be perfect for that.
Head to Head
Taylor Fritz leads the head-to-head 2-1, coming out on top in their most recent encounter in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, at the ATP 250 in Munich in 2024. In that encounter, Fritz's better serve and his ability to dominate baseline exchanges proved to be the difference. Garin's solitary win did come on clay-a surface he does much better on-but on the hard courts of Melbourne, Fritz's game is more attuned to the conditions.
Expert Betting Tips
Taylor Fritz to win 3-0 (Betway: 1.68 Odds):
Given Fritz's form of late and Garin's woes on hard courts, the American winning in straight sets is very likely. The ability of Fritz to dictate and his strong serving make this a good bet.
Correct Score 6-4 in Set 1 (Bet365: 7.00 Odds):
He's the underdog, but Garin will put up a good fight, making the first set pretty close. The first set should be tight before Fritz pulls away.
Taylor Fritz to Win & Under 28.5 Total Games (1xbet: 2.50 Odds):
This combination expresses Fritz's implied dominance while expecting a quick match from him. So, it's a good bet in anticipation of him winning in straight sets with few games to Garin.
Other predictions
