Ugo Humbert vs Hubert Hurkacz Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Australian Open

Prediction published on 18/01/2024, 14:55  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 18/01/2024 at 15:55 in ATP Australian Open Predictions

A win for ninth seed Hubert Hurkacz will see him in the fourth round of the Australian Open for a second successive year. He faces 21st seeded Ugo Humbert with the winner taking on either 28th seed Tallon Griekspoor or wild card Arthur Cazaux. Hurkacz is up a place to eighth in the live rankings and that is a new career high. The 26-year-old has only made it past round three of a Grand Slam on four previous occasions, his best being a semi-final at Wimbledon in 2021. He's already had an eventful 2024 being part of the Polish team that lost in the final of the United Cup. Hurkacz won three of his five singles matches in that tournament. In this Australian Open, the Pole won his first round match in straight sets. It was tougher in round two and he had to go to a final set to defeat qualifer Jacub Mensik after losing two of the first three sets.

Ugo Humbert is in the third round of this Grand Slam for the second year in a row. Only once has he got past this stage of a Grand Slam tournament. That was when getting to the fourth round at Wimbledon five years ago. The French player is 20th in the live rankings but will climb at least one place if beating Hurkacz. If he does it'll be his first win over him after losing both of their previous two meetings. The most recent was on a hard court in Basel last year. Hubert has beaten David Goffin and Zhang Zhihzen so far with both being won in four sets. We tip Hurkacz to get the victory here.