Ugo Humbert vs Alexander Shevchenko

Thursday's ATP Adelaide action on the hard court features a compelling first-round encounter between France's Ugo Humbert and Alexander Shevchenko. The odds reflect Humbert's status as the clear favorite, with an average moneyline price of 1.26 compared to Shevchenko's 3.75. This positioning is based on Humbert's higher ranking and proven ability on hard surfaces, where his powerful left-handed game can be particularly effective.

Shevchenko, however, is a capable opponent who has shown he can challenge top players, making him a live underdog at those odds. The match will likely hinge on Humbert's consistency and whether he can control the tempo with his serve and forehand. A straight-sets victory for the Frenchman is the expected outcome, but Shevchenko's aggressive baseline play could extend the contest if he finds an early rhythm.