Australian Open: Zverev v Thiem men's second semi-final preview and free tip

Free tennis tips, best bets and analysis for day 12 of the Australian Open.

When to watch

Eurosport 1, 8.30am Friday

Best bets

Alexander Zverev to beat Dominic Thiem
1pt 17-10 Betway, RedZone

Alexander Zverev +1.5 sets v Dominic Thiem
1pt 4-5 Betfred

Semi-final preview

Dominic Thiem became the first player to end the Australian Open hopes of one of the big three when ousting Rafael Nadal in a four-set quarter-final triumph, but the Austrian could be hanging on himself when he takes on Alexander Zverev for a place in the final.

Thiem is doing little wrong and he fully deserved his day in the spotlight when defeating world number one and top seed Nadal 7-6 7-6 4-6 7-6 on Wednesday.

But while Thiem has come out better in six of his eight clashes with Zverev, it may pay not to heed that statistic on this occasion.

When Zverev performs at or near his peak, as he is at Melbourne Park, his weapons are more potent than Thiem's and the German is a physically stronger player too.

It's a surprise to see the oddsmakers find so heavily in fifth seed Thiem's favour, but that could be down to the fact that the Austrian has made the finals of the last two French Opens while Zverev will be contesting the first major semi-final of his career.

Zverev's development has been steady but his potential remains and the seventh seed, who will have learned a lot from accom­panying Roger Federer on a trip of Latin America towards the end of last season, finally looks to be bearing fruit on court.

Zverev's price is a little insulting given that he has dropped only one set in the Melbourne singles compared to Thiem's four.

He looks well worth a punt to progress to the final and the German can also be backed with a handicap start of a set and a half, which would oblige should he win at least two sets.

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport