Casper Ruud vs Alex Molcan – First Round – Preview & Prediction | 2022 Australian Open
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is Casper Ruud vs Alex Molcan on and what time does it start? Casper Ruud vs Alex Molcan will take place on Tuesday 18th January, 2022 – not before 03:15 (UK)
Where is Casper Ruud vs Alex Molcan taking place? Casper Ruud vs Alex Molcan will take place at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia
What surface is Casper Ruud vs Alex Molcan being played on? Casper Ruud vs Alex Molcan will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Casper Ruud vs Alex Molcan? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Casper Ruud vs Alex Molcan
What channel is Casper Ruud vs Alex Molcan on in the UK? Casper Ruud vs Alex Molcan will be televised live on Eurosport
Where can I stream Casper Ruud vs Alex Molcan in the UK? Eurosport subscribers can stream Casper Ruud vs Alex Molcan live on their website, while Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live on Sky Go
THE LOWDOWN
CASPER RUUD
World number eight Casper Ruud was one of the most in-form players on tour last season with a stunning 57-17 record reaping its rewards of five ATP titles, including three in three weeks over the summer on his favoured clay. The 23-year-old won a first hardcourt tournament in San Diego to prove himself more than just a clay specialist, though, and wins over Cam Norrie and Andrey Rublev at the ATP Finals saw him make the semi-finals on his debut. Ruud lost to Rublev in the round of 16 here last season for what remains his best run at a major so far.
ALEX MOLCAN
24-year-old Alex Molcan set a career-high ATP world ranking of 74th last week with a run to the quarter-finals of the Melbourne 1 warm-up tournament. A straight-sets victory over an out of sorts David Goffin was impressive in Melbourne but the Slovak’s run to a first ATP tour final in Belgrade last season and then a third round at the US Open are better signs of a player finding his feet on tour.
THE PREDICTION
World number 74 Alex Molcan’s Australian Open debut could be one to savour here if he starts fast and hard in this first meeting with world number eight Casper Ruud. 23-year-old Ruud has yet to fully convince at a major tournament and he has lost to players ranked lower than Molcan in each of his last two Grand Slams. There is no doubt that the Norwegian is the solid favourite to reach the second round here but a one-off side punt on Molcan to win at least a set or even two here could prove valuable. Both players are at their best on the clay but Ruud proved himself the real deal on hard at the ATP Finals last month and he should come through the outright winner here.
