Coming off the ending of 2024, tennis enthusiasts have an exciting clash that is set at the Brisbane International. On 30th December, Serbian Legend Novak Djokovic went against the young talent of Australia, Rinky Hijikata, in a round of 32 match-up in which a good mix of experience and youthfulness might just give it an even match.
Will Djokovic's experience come through, or can Hijikata use the energy of the home crowd to his advantage and create an upset? Share thoughts and predictions in the comments below.
Wishing you a year with lots of great moments from the courts of tennis.
Claim Welcome BonusNovak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic remains a force to reckon with on the tennis circuit and is currently ranked No. 7 in the ATP ranking. He competed in 13 tournaments in 2024 and secured an Olympic title. He has an incredible 37-9 YTD win-loss record and 13-5 on outdoor hard courts. Although he has not won any hardcourt titles this year, Djokovic's four victories out of his last six matches have really shown that his relentless strength and ability on court remained.
Rinky Hijikata
Australian 23-year-old Rinky Hijikata has steadily risen in the ATP rankings, currently sitting at No. 73. One of sheer persistence is what Hijikata's 2024 campaign has been, given he's played 33 tournaments this season and came away with a title at the Playford 2 Challenger. The YTD win-loss for Hijikata stands at 35-32 and, more importantly, 29-20 on outdoor hard courts. His recent form is five victories in his last six matches-a fact that says much about the player getting confidence and steam as the season comes to a close.
Expert Betting Tips
Djokovic comes with experience and a game plan that is unmatched by any player in the world. His return game and mental toughness are very well documented, often proving to be the difference in critical moments of any match. At the other end, Hijikata is young and fearless, with a lot of energy. His recent successes on the Challenger circuit reflect a player on the rise, eager to test his skills against the elite.
With Djokovic's good track record and going form, he is automatically the favorite in this match. That said, Hijikata's home advantage and surged performance lately could prove ample reason to mount a fierce challenge, making this contest a little more competitive than usually expected.
- Total Games Over/Under: Consider betting on over 18.5 total games. Hijikata's recent form suggests he could secure enough games to push the total higher, even if he doesn't win a set. (1xbet: 1.72 Odds)
- Set Betting: Bet on Djokovic to win 2-0. While Hijikata is improving, Djokovic's dominance may lead to a straight-sets victory (Betway: 1.40 Odds)
- First Set Outcome: Bet on Novak Djokovic to win the first set. His superior experience and consistent performance make this a likely outcome. (Bet365: 1.20 Odds)
Other predictions
