Aryna Sabalenka vs Yulia Putintseva prediction and betting tips on January 2, 2025
Game Prediction
In the third round of the prestigious Brisbane tournament, Aryna Sabalenka will face Yulia Putintseva. Here's an analysis and prediction: can we expect a competitive match?
Aryna Sabalenka
Sabalenka enters this season as the world No. 1, a position that brings both inspiration and immense pressure. As the top player, she’s expected to aim for victory in every tournament, with Grand Slams being her main focus.
The Belarusian is targeting her third consecutive Australian Open title, and Brisbane serves as her preparation. She started her campaign in the second round, defeating Mexico’s Renata Zarazua 6-4, 6-0. At 26 years old, Sabalenka needs to build her best form ahead of the season’s first major.
Yulia Putintseva
The Kazakh player is well-known in the tennis world as a seasoned and resilient competitor. Currently ranked 29th, Putintseva turns 30 soon and remains a tough opponent for any player.
While she hasn’t reached the elite level, Putintseva is capable of defeating top opponents on her best day. She is emotional and straightforward on the court but uses her persistence and power to secure victories. In Brisbane, she defeated the American Kessler 6-2, 7-5 in her opening match.
Match Facts
- Sabalenka won 40 of her 49 matches on hard courts last season.
- Putintseva recorded 22 wins in 37 matches on hard courts last season.
- Betting odds: Sabalenka – 1.16, Putintseva – 5.5.
Head-to-Head
The players have met twice before, with the head-to-head record tied at 1-1. Their most recent encounter was last year, where Sabalenka came back to win 1-6, 6-4, 6-0 in a challenging match.
Prediction
On paper, Sabalenka is a heavy favorite, which is expected given her No. 1 ranking. However, Putintseva is a gritty player capable of troubling even the best. While an upset is unlikely, Putintseva could keep the match competitive.Recommended Bet: Putintseva to win with a +6 game handicap. This bet offers value given her ability to challenge strong opponents, even if she ultimately falls short.