Camila Vega
The Australian Open 2023 has already started, and the second round is almost decided, after the first day the defending champion Rafael Nadal advanced without problems. On January 17, we will see the Nadal vs McDonald clash: it will be an interesting match, as the underdog Mackenzie McDonald and the 22-time Grand Slam champion will face each other.
On this occasion, at JefeBet, we will tell you all about this match, how each player did in their first round and who will be able to come out on top. Keep reading to find out more about the Rafael Nadal vs Mackenzie McDonald predictions!
Besides, we invite you to read our review of DraftKings, the odds provider for this preview.
Betting Preview for the Rafael Nadal vs Mackenzie McDonald Men’s Singles Round 2 Match at the 2023 ATP Australian Open
- Where: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia
- When: Tuesday, January 17, 2023, [Time to be defined]
- Games Spread: Nadal -8.5 (+110), -7.5 (-140) / McDonald +8.5 (-130), -7.5 (+115)
- Total Games: Over 30.5 (-120), Under 30.5 (-105), Over 31.5 (+100), Under 31.5 (-120)
- Wins at least one set: McDonald – Yes (+100), No (-130) / Nadal – No (+1400)
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Betting on Rafael Nadal | -1200 Odds to Win
What could we say about Rafael Nadal that hasn’t been said already. He is a tremendously skilled player who overcomes obstacles and disadvantageous situations in the blink of an eye. His mentality allows him to stay focused and turn games in his favor. In the first round of the Australian Open, he faced Jack Draper (British), who is ranked 38th in the ATP ranking, and beat him in four sets.
He had 66% of good first serves, of which he won 73%. Moreover, he launched 41 winners and was able to convert 50% of the break opportunities he had (6/12). This started out as a difficult match, in which Nadal was able to break his opponent only until the end of the first set (7-5).
In the second set, Draper used his best weapon, his serve, to hit 13 aces, which made it difficult for Nadal and he ended up losing that second set. However, and as usual, he started the third and fourth sets with strength, agility, and with winning shots which allowed him to quickly win the match 7-5, 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 in 3 hours and 41 minutes.
Betting on Mackenzie McDonald | +750 Odds to Win
On the other hand, Mackenzie McDonald had an intense first round match at the Australian Open 2023 that lasted 4 hours and 2 minutes against his compatriot, Brandon Nakashima. This match went to the decisive fifth set.
In fact, his opponent Nakashima had better statistics, and in total, McDonald won one more point (167); nevertheless, what secured his victory was the number of serves he was able to return and put into play. He hit a total of 14 aces and was 78% effective with his first serve and 60% effective with his second serve.. What’s more, he threw 57 winners with 29 unforced errors.
McDonald won the first two sets in tie breaks 7-6 (5), 7-6 (1). However, at the start of the third set, Nakashima outplayed his opponent and was able to take the next two sets 6-1, 7-6 (12). Finally, the fifth set saw an early break by McDonald, which secured him the 6-4 victory.
Nadal vs McDonald Prediction
Of course, both players are coming from long, physically demanding matches. However, one cannot compare the experience and ferocity of Rafael Nadal with the game of Mackenzie McDonald. Therefore, in the Nadal vs McDonald match in the second round of the Australian Open 2023, the Spaniard will come out on top.
Prediction: Rafael Nadal wins in four sets.
