First-round action at the ATP level features Aussie Aleksandar Vukic stepping onto the court against Japan's Rei Sakamoto on Mon, 31 Aug, 9:00 am AEST. It is a massive opportunity for both players to make a statement early in the tournament with ranking points and crucial momentum on the line.

When looking at the latest tennis predictions, this opening match presents a really intriguing contrast in tour experience and current form. Vukic brings 60 career match victories into the contest, while Sakamoto is looking to build his record on the main circuit.

Who Will Win?

The numbers jump off the page when comparing the rankings of both competitors. Aleksandar Vukic sits at World No. 95 with a 4-11 record this season, while Rei Sakamoto enters ranked World No. 157 with a 1-3 YTD mark.

Looking at recent match play, Vukic is coming off a last-start loss on 30 July against Lorenzo Musetti in a tough multi-set battle. Prior to that outing, the Aussie secured a win over Zachary Svajda on 28 July. In their previous head-to-head history, Vukic notched a victory over Sakamoto back in September 2025.

Sakamoto holds a 1-6 career match record, yet he takes favourite status on the head-to-head board. Given the ranking gap and Vukic's edge in career match play, the Aussie rates a real chance as an underdog option in head-to-head betting.

Head to HeadOdds correct as at 3:13 am AEST. Odds can change.
Our tipFrancisco Cerundolo2.35Alexander Blockx1.60
Solid tickOur tip: Aleksandar Vukic. Vukic holds the higher world ranking at No. 95 and possesses significantly more main-tour experience than his opponent.

Tipped at $2.25 (6:13 am AEST). Opinion, not a guarantee. Gamble responsibly — 18+.

Head-to-head context

0–1

Francisco Cerundolo vs Alexander Blockx

Clay0-1
0%1st set → match win % (H2H)100%
0%Deciding set win % (H2H)0%
80%1st serve points won %81%
28%Return points won %34%

Set Line Breakdown

The set handicap line is set at -1.5 sets. Vukic's recent main-draw appearances have featured tight, extended battles, highlighted by his recent match against Musetti.

With Sakamoto recording one victory from four matches this season, expecting a tightly contested match with set exchanges gives a big tick to looking at the set line markets.

MarketsOdds correct as at 3:13 am AEST. Odds can change.

Odds subject to change. Gamble responsibly — 18+.

Total Games Market

The total games line for this first-round showdown sits at 39.5 games. With both players showing a tendency to push sets deep, there is clear logic in analyzing the game total.

Vukic's most recent outing went five sets with high game tallies. Given Sakamoto's push for a breakthrough win and Vukic's recent long battles, the numbers say this matchup could push towards a high total games tally.

GamesOdds correct as at 3:13 am AEST. Odds can change.
Our tipOver 38.51.95Under 38.51.85
Solid tickOur tip: Over 39.5. Vukic is coming off a lengthy multi-set match, suggesting another extended contest that could push over the 39.5 games line.

Tipped at $1.80 (6:13 am AEST). Opinion, not a guarantee. Gamble responsibly — 18+.

Match total games

Average games from recent scorelines · marker shows live line 38.5.

Francisco Cerundolo matches (n=5)avg 33.8vs 38.5
1740
Alexander Blockx matches (n=5)avg 30vs 38.5
1740
H2H meetings (n=1)avg 21vs 38.5
1740

Hit rate vs 38.5

Francisco Cerundolon=5
Over 40%Under 60%
Alexander Blockxn=5
Over 0%Under 100%
H2Hn=1
Over 0%Under 100%
17.4Avg games won (form)18.2