Australian Open Third Round Betting Guide: Thursday 1/18/24

The first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open, is underway this week.

We should see plenty of fun matches and storylines emerge over the next couple of weeks, and what better way to get in on the action than by making some wagers on the Australian Open Betting Odds at FanDuel Sportsbook?

Let's see where we can find betting value on Thursday.

Australian Open Best Bet

Taylor Fritz vs. Fabian Marozsan

Fritz -4.5 Games (-128)

It doesn't feel comfortable to back the often inconsistent Taylor Fritz to cover a spread, but he's the highest-ranked American for a reason (World No. 12). At least on paper, this is a spot against Fabian Marozsan where he should come through.

Fritz doesn't have the greatest track record at Grand Slams, but he did make it to the 2023 US Open's quarterfinals, which is hopefully a sign of things to come in 2024 -- at least when it comes to hard courts. Across the last 52 weeks, he boasts a 34-11 record on the surface (75.6% win percentage), easily his strongest surface over this span.

Additionally, four of his six career titles have come on hard courts, including a Masters 1000 at Indian Wells in 2022.

While the American was shaky in his first-round match, he won comfortably in the second round, needing just one hour and 28 minutes to dispatch lucky loser Hugo Gaston. Fritz lost just four games and saved the lone break point he faced all match.

Marozsan has limited experience on the ATP Tour, owning a career 13-11 record. He's defeated notable names in Marin Cilic and Francisco Cerundolo in the opening rounds, but Cilic missed the second half of last year due to injury, and Cerundolo has been shaky to begin 2024, barely getting past a qualifier in the first round.

Going by Tennis Abstract's Elo ratings, Fritz is the 10th-best player in the draw when accounting for surface. If he plays up to that level, he should be able to cover this spread in three or even four sets.

Looking for the latest tennis odds? Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook to check out all of the tennis betting options and upcoming tournaments.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author’s advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.