The ATP Tennis Tour returns as attention begins to turn towards the Australian Open at the end of the month. December is a training month for most of the players, meaning it’s difficult to gauge where players are when the next season begins and with the continued absence of key names on the tour with the likes of Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori injured for the Aussie Open, it could be a breakthrough year for many on the ATP Tour.
Outright Betting
There is a strong field assembled in Auckland as the ATP Tour rolls into New Zealand but and with 4 of the world’s top 20 players in action – it should be a highly entertaining week.
Here are some tips for the title in Auckland:
Juan Martin Del Potro – 3/1 (Ladbrokes) – The Argentine managed to stay fit throughout most of 2017 which was a huge bonus for him and his world ranking of 12 is testament to the consistency he’s shown in recent months. A worthy favourite here.
Jack Sock – 6/1 (Coral) – The American powerhouse will be looking to pick up where he left off in 2017 with his maiden ATP Masters title being backed up with a strong showing at the ATP World Tour Finals in London. He is firmly established as one of the elite players in world tennis currently and will be looking to keep his strong run of form going.
John Isner – 7/1 (Betfred) – Many will be hoping this could be the year for Isner, who has always promised without necessarily delivering on the biggest stage. His accurate serving and brute force will cause problems on the nippy hard courts in Auckland.
Sam Querrey – 8/1 (188 Bet) – Querrey enjoyed his best season on the tour last season, reaching the semi-finals at Wimbledon and the last 8 at the US Open but ultimately falling short. His all-round game has improved dramatically in recent times and he will be looking to carry on where he left off in 2018.
Here are some of our outside tips in Auckland:-
Roberto Bautista-Agut – 7/1 (Skybet) – The gritty Spaniard is knocking on the door of the world’s top 20 and has already taken down Andy Murray in a pre-season match this year.
Hyeon Chung – 18/1 (188 Bet) – The winner of the ATP Next Gen Finals in November 2017, the South Korean will be desperate to continue his meteoric rise in the game here in Auckland.
Karen Khachanov – 22/1 (Ladbrokes) – A man coming of age on the ATP Tour – Khachanov’s physicality cannot be under estimated and if he’s on his game, he is a serious threat to anybody.
Ryan Harrison – 28/1 (Ladbrokes) – Harrison has long been touted as the potential of American tennis and by reaching the final in Brisbane last week – could be starting to realise his potential.
Top Outright Bet: Juan Martin Del Potro to win the title – 3/1 (Skybet)
Outside Bet: Steve Johnson to win the title (Each Way) – 28/1 (Skybet)