Event Preview
Overview
On Monday, January 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), Serbian tennis player Hamad Medjedovic will face American Aleksandar Kovacevic in the Round of 32 at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand. This match is significant as both players aim to advance further in the tournament, with the winner securing a spot in the Round of 16.
Season Snapshot
Hamad Medjedovic: The 22-year-old Serbian has shown promise in recent tournaments. In the ASB Classic, he secured victories over Mattia Bellucci and Dalibor Svrcina, both with 2-0 set scores. However, his performance in the Rolex Paris Masters was less favorable, losing 2-0 to David Goffin. Overall, Medjedovic has demonstrated a mix of strong performances and areas for improvement.
Aleksandar Kovacevic: The 27-year-old American has had a varied season. In the Brisbane International, he achieved a 2-1 victory over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard but faced defeats against Brandon Nakashima and Cameron Norrie. His recent matches indicate a competitive edge, though consistency remains a challenge.
Recent Form
Medjedovic enters this match with a 2-match winning streak in the ASB Classic, having defeated Bellucci and Svrcina. Kovacevic, on the other hand, has a mixed record in recent tournaments, with a win against Mpetshi Perricard and losses to Nakashima and Norrie. Both players have shown resilience, but Medjedovic's recent victories may provide him with a slight momentum advantage.
Talking Points
- Medjedovic's Momentum: Can his recent victories in Auckland propel him past Kovacevic?
- Kovacevic's Consistency: Will he overcome recent inconsistencies to challenge Medjedovic effectively?
- Head-to-Head Record: Medjedovic leads their previous encounters; can Kovacevic turn the tide?
- Surface Advantage: How will the hard court conditions in Auckland affect both players' performances?
- Tournament Stakes: With both players aiming for a deep run, who will seize the opportunity?
Players to Watch
- Hamad Medjedovic: His recent form in Auckland suggests he could be a strong contender in this match.
- Aleksandar Kovacevic: Despite recent losses, his experience and skill make him a formidable opponent.
Key Matchups & Storylines
- Medjedovic's Serve vs. Kovacevic's Return: Medjedovic's serving prowess will be tested against Kovacevic's return game.
- Baseline Rally Dynamics: Both players favor baseline play; their exchanges could be pivotal.
- Mental Toughness: How each player handles pressure moments could determine the match's outcome.
Fun Facts
- Medjedovic is ranked 80th in the ATP standings, while Kovacevic is ranked 60th.
- Their previous encounters have been competitive, with Medjedovic leading the head-to-head 3-0.
- The ASB Classic is known for its unpredictable outcomes, often favoring underdogs.
Things to Chirp About
- "Can Medjedovic continue his winning streak in Auckland?"
- "Is Kovacevic ready to upset the higher-ranked Medjedovic?"
- "How will the hard court surface impact both players' strategies?"
- "Who has the edge in their head-to-head record?"
Prediction
While both players have shown flashes of brilliance, Medjedovic's recent form and head-to-head advantage suggest he may have the upper hand in this matchup. However, Kovacevic's experience and potential for an upset make this a closely contested match. Fans can expect a thrilling encounter as both players vie for a spot in the Round of 16.