Aslan Karatsev vs Andy Murray Prediction & Betting Tips - Sydney, Australia

Prediction published on 14/01/2022, 09:30  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 14/01/2022 at 11:22 in Tennis Predictions

Andy Murray faces top seeded Aslan Karatsev in the final of the Sydney International tournament. It's not just Murray's first ATP final since 2019 but a win will see him back in the top 100. Murray is currently ranked 135th but up to 112th in the live ranking. A win here will see him rise to 92nd in the world. Murray's last ATP final was when he won the European Open in October 2019 and it's only his second in the past five years. It's something no one expected though after his tearful near retirement at the Australian Open three years ago. This week has seen Murray beat Viktor Durasovic, second seeded Nikoloz Basilashvilli (who he plays in the Australian Open first round) after losing the first set, eighth seed David Goffin (who retired after losing the first set) and in the semi-final Reilly Opelka, again losing the first set. Playing so much tennis in one week is ideal Australian Open preparation for Murray.

He takes on Aslan Karatsev who clearly loves playing in Australia. Last year saw him get to the semi-final of the Australian Open. This time last year he was 112th in the world but began this tournament in 20th place. He's up to 15 as a result of reaching this final. Although not doing well in the other three 2021 Grand Slam events, Karatsev won two tournaments, being successful in Dubai and the Kremlin Cup. This is his first event of the year and the top seed has beaten Miomir Kecmanovic (who might play Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open first round), fifth seeded Lorenzo Sonego (middle set lost) and in the semi-finals, Dan Evans, again losing the middle set. It'd be great to see Murray win but Karatsev is going to be difficult to beat. Back the number one seed and have a side bet on a tie-break. The pair have played four of those between them so far in this tournament.