Current Form. Francesco Passaro is in excellent shape as he approaches the Australian Open qualifying final. In the semifinals, he battled his way to a thrilling victory over Spain’s Javier Barranco, with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 7-6. During this intense match, Passaro delivered eight aces, converted three break points, and lost serve three times. In the first round of qualifiers, he defeated fellow Italian Giulio Zeppieri, showcasing his determination and skill.
Playing Style. Passaro embodies the traditional strengths of Italian tennis, which thrives on clay courts. His game revolves around baseline rallies, where he uses his powerful forehand to outmaneuver opponents. Known for his exceptional defensive skills, he has the ability to retrieve even the toughest shots, making him a tough competitor in long exchanges. However, his serve remains a weaker aspect of his game, particularly on fast courts, where quick reactions and precision are crucial.
Career Achievements. Ranked 105th in the world, Passaro has made a name for himself as a clay-court specialist. Last season, he claimed two significant titles on this surface. At the Turin Challenger, he triumphed over Lorenzo Musetti in the final, while at the Genoa Challenger, he outlasted Jaume Munar. To date, Passaro has an impressive tally of seven career titles, reflecting his potential and growing presence on the tennis circuit.
Betting Insights. With eight wins in his last ten matches, Passaro’s current form makes him a strong contender. His recent performances suggest he’s a player to watch closely as he competes for a place in the main draw of the Australian Open.
Current Form. Nikoloz Basilashvili is making waves in the Australian Open qualifiers with strong and confident performances. In the semifinals, he defeated Russia’s Alibek Kachmazov in straight sets, 7-5, 6-4. Throughout the match, Basilashvili delivered seven aces, broke his opponent’s serve three times, and lost just one service game. Earlier, in the first round, he showcased his skills against Cruz Hewitt, son of the legendary Lleyton Hewitt, securing another commanding win.
Playing Style. Basilashvili’s game is built on versatility, allowing him to excel on both clay and hard courts. His forehand is his greatest strength, capable of ending rallies with a single powerful shot. While his backhand is a reliable tool, it’s less consistent compared to his forehand. However, Basilashvili’s tendency to make unforced errors in key moments often puts him at a disadvantage in high-pressure situations. His serve, though decent, has suffered from adjustments made after a hand injury, slightly reducing its effectiveness.
Career Highlights. Once ranked as high as 16th in the world, Basilashvili is now positioned at 210th. Despite his recent drop in ranking, his career achievements are impressive. Last season, he claimed victory at the Seoul Challenger, defeating Taro Daniel in the final on outdoor hard courts. Over the years, he has accumulated an impressive total of 21 career titles, proving his experience and ability to deliver on big stages.
Betting Insights. Basilashvili’s recent matches have all ended in straight sets, highlighting his efficiency and current strong form. This consistency makes him an interesting pick for bettors as he prepares for the final round of the Australian Open qualifiers.
Bookmakers offer odds of 1.65 for Passaro and 2.25 for Basilashvili. The total over 22.5 games is priced at 1.90, while the total under is also at 1.90.
Passaro is driven by incredible motivation. The Italian is just one step away from breaking into the top 100 of the world rankings and achieving a career milestone by entering the main draw of the Australian Open for the first time. However, his final qualifying opponent is no pushover. Basilashvili is in excellent form and brings a wealth of experience to the court. We believe this match will be anything but easy for Francesco.
Our prediction: Basilashvili to win with a +2 game handicap at odds of 1.91.
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