Dusan Lajovic vs Francesco Maestrelli

The Australian Open continues on Thursday with an intriguing first-round encounter between Serbia's Dusan Lajovic and Italy's Francesco Maestrelli. Lajovic, a seasoned veteran with a strong baseline game, enters as the favorite with average moneyline odds of 1.68. His opponent, the young qualifier Maestrelli, is listed at 2.11, indicating a competitive but clear underdog status for his Grand Slam main draw debut.

While Lajovic's experience and consistency on hard courts make him the expected winner, Maestrelli's powerful game presents a potential challenge. The Italian has successfully navigated the qualifying rounds and will look to bring that momentum into the match. The odds suggest Lajovic should advance, but Maestrelli's aggressive style could test the Serb's defensive skills, especially if he finds an early rhythm. This match offers a classic contrast between tour-tested stability and ambitious, rising talent.