After losing his final five matches of the season, Italian Luciano Darderi was able to get the better of Tabilo and begin the new year with a win. Winning is something his opponent has done a lot of in 2026 with an impressive 5-1 start to his season. He lost to eventual champion alexander Bublik in the semi finals in Hong Kong and will be very confident after having defeated Darderi in straight sets in Eastbourne last year. Taking him to replicate that outcome here.
Baez is the gift that keeps giving! He was incorrectly installed as the outsider against Brooksby and picked apart the America 7-5 6-0. The Argentine won 58% of return points which is unheard of at this level – converting all 6 of his break opportunities. He now takes on another American and has already shown us that he can handle opponents with big power games. This began with wins over Fritz and Wawrinka at the United Cup last week and the +3.5 games start he has been given is madness. Baez +3.5 is a special and he is also worth taking for the outright win.
Qualifiers are no supposed to make it this far, but Spizzirri is looking to continue his unexpected run. Is yet to drop a set in his four matches played in Aukland (including qualifiers) but a battle against Marozsan will be his toughest test to date. The Hungarian beat Casper Ruud in straight sets with the Norwegian who is known to be one of the best returners on the ATP Tour, unable to generate a single break of serve. That came after knocking Monfils out in the opening round and I would have expected Marozsan to be installed $1.50 favourite at best. He has opened $1.70 and this price should be taken ASAP.
If you like big serving and serious power then this is the match for you. Mpetshi Perricard has thundered down 20+ aces in each of his first five matches played this season and Mensik won’t be holding back after having 22 aces in his win over Medjedovic. The Frenchman leads the H2H 2-0 with the Over hitting in both matches and 3 of the 5 sets they have contested being decided by a tiebreaker. Predicting multiple tiebreakers with the duo to combine for 30+ aces in a match that will be decided by less than a handful of crucial points.