Hugo Gaston’s blowout loss to Lloyd Harris in the qualifying stages allows us to secure a good price ahead of his round one showdown with Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena.
The Spaniard is coming off a surprise, two-win cameo at Auckland as he knocked off both Roberto Bautista-Agut and Sebastian Ofner as a big outsider.
Based on what he’s done throughout his career on these surfaces (next to nothing), I’m chalking those results up as an aberration and I’m still happy with Gaston’s overall form lines.
The Frenchman is an all-rounder, but far more accomplished with far more upside on hard courts than his opponent.
Despite his mental fragility, Gaston should not be an underdog in this meeting.
Suggested Bet
1.25 units Gaston to defeat Carballes-Baena at $2.37 at Pinnacle
Over 18s Only (21+ in some jurisdictions). 1 unit = 1% of bankroll. Please enjoy your betting responsibly. Never bet more than you can afford to lose, and do not chase a loss.
Jake’s Australian Open Preview: Carballes-Baena vs. Gaston
