France’s Quentin Halys has an uphill task as he squares off against top seed Novak Djokovic in the round of 16 of the Adelaide International 1 on Thursday.
The former world No. 1 began the new season by competing in the doubles event at the Adelaide International. He didn’t have an ideal star as he and Vasek Pospisil lost to the team of Tomislav Brkic and Gonzalo Escobar.
The 35-year-old played his first singles match of the new season against Constant Lestienne in the round of 32. On expected lines, the Serbian legend won the match comprehensively in straight sets 6-3, 6-2. Djokovic ended 2022 on the back of some fine form and has continued in the same vein in 2023.
Like Djokovic, Halys also played in the doubles event. The similarity in their campaign doesn’t end there as Halys also lost in the opening round, partnering with Constant Lestienne in a match against Lucas Miedler and Alexander Erler.
As far as his singles outing in Adelaide is concerned, Halys knocked off Jordan Thompson in straight sets 6-3, 6-4. The Frenchman was exceptional with his serves as he fired in 14 aces. He had a win percentage of 90 on the first serve and 86 on the second serve. Halys will have to bring all of that and a lot more to the table if he entertains hopes of staging a monumental upset.
Djokovic and Halys have faced each other only once. The former picked up the win against the Frenchman in straight sets in the second round in straight sets. Therefore, the head-to-head scoreline currently stands at 1-0 in favor of the 21-time Grand Slam champion.
Prediction: Novak Djokovic to win in straight sets.
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