ATP Rome 1/16-Finals
Atmane – Dimitrov: 12.05.2024 Time TBA
H2H: first meeting
Terence Atmane is a young French prodigy. He made himself known this year at the Australian Open where he put up a big fight against Daniil Medvedev and even won one set. Unfortunately, Atmane had to retire mid-match because of cramps. So far this season, Atmane has not have any remarkable success on the clay courts. However, he has already won four matches here in Rome, and played great tennis. Atmane had to fight through a qualification tournament, where he won against Kokkinakis and Mayot. After that, Atmane won the first round in straight sets convincingly against Eubanks. Yesterday, Atmane won the first set against Musetti. Unfortunately, Musetti had to retire in the second set.
Grigor Dimitrov has won three of his last five matches. So far this season, Dimitrov has played only two clay court tournaments. Earlier in April, Dimitrov reached the 1/8-Finals in Monte Carlo where he lost against Rune in three sets. After that, Dimitrov was upset by a young Czech Mensik in three sets. Yesterday, Dimitrov faced Nishioka in the 1/32-Finals. He won in straight sets, but harder than we expected. Grigor served great, getting 11 aces, without offering any breakpoints. However, his return game was terrible, and that is the main reason why he could not get the job done earlier.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Atmane is a huge underdog in this matchup. We believe that he will play without any pressure and just enjoy the moment. That is why we think that he might be dangerous against out-of-form Dimitrov and at least cover the games handicap.
That being said, Atmane covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Atmane +4.5 games handicap @2.10 @bet365
Djokovic – Tabilo: 12.05.2024 Time TBA
H2H: first meeting
Novak Djokovic is back after being out of competitive tennis for almost a month. The last tournament he played was in Monte Carlo, where he lost in the semifinals against Ruud in three sets. Something we do not say often, but Nole is yet to win a title this year. We believe that his age is slowly affecting him on the court, and that his form will keep decreasing. Here in Rome, Novak won his second round match convincingly 6-3 6-1 against Moutet. Last year in Rome, Djokovic lost in the quarterfinals against Rune in three sets.
Alejandro Tabilo has won five straight matches. Last week, Tabilo won the challenger title in France, defeating Munar in straight sets. Here in Rome, Tabilo won his first match convincingly against Hanfmann in straight sets. He saved 7/8 breakpoints and showed great tennis under pressure. Tabilo also served well and his serve gave him many breakpoints.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Djokovic is a huge favorite in this match. We agree with that, but we believe that Tabilo will keep this match tight considering how good his serve is. The over-games line is set at only 19.5 games.
That being said, over 19.5 games is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: over 19.5 games @1.80 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
