ATP 500 Halle 1/16-Finals
Berrettini – Michelsen: 19.06.2024 12:00 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Matteo Berrettini has won four of his last five matches. Last week in Stuttgart, Berrettini lost in the final against Jack Draper in three tight sets. It was another solid tournament from Berrettini, who has been struggling with injuries recently. It was also his first tournament after losing in Monte Carlo against Kecmanovic in April. Berrettini skipped most of the clay season to take care of his injury and prepare for his favorite part of the season, the grass court season.
Alex Michelsen has lost three of his last five matches. The young American is one of the biggest American talents, and is currently looking to break into the top 50 in the rankings. Last week in Stuttgart, Michelsen lost against Rinderknech in the first round in straight sets. Here in Halle, Michelsen had to fight through the qualifying tournament to get into the main draw. In the first qualifying round, Michelsen won comfortably against Rehberg in straight sets. In the final qualifying round, Alex absolutely dominated against Hanfmann in straight sets as well. Last year, Michelsen made himself famous by reaching the final in Newport.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Michelsen is a huge underdog in this matchup. He is a very good server, and we believe that he will keep this match tight. We believe that Berrettini should be a favorite, but Michelsen may give him trouble.
That being said, Michelsen covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Alex Michelsen +3.5 games handicap @1.73 @bet365
Darderi – Struff: 19.06.2024 12:00 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Luciano Darderi has won five straight matches. Last week, Darderi won the challenger title in Perugia, winning against Nagal in the final. Darderi skipped the preparation tournaments on grass this season. This will be his first grass court match of the season. Luciano only played three matches on grass throughout his career, winning just one match. Darderi is a very solid clay court specialist, but his skills on grass are yet to be seen.
Jan-Lennard Struff has won three of his last five matches. Last week, Struff played in Stuttgart where he unfortunately had to withdraw from his quarterfinal match against Nakashima. It was only due to an illness, so we should not be concerned if he is injured. En route to the quarterfinals, Struff won both of his matches in straight sets against Cobolli and Rinderknech. Last year in Halle, Struff lost in the second round against Alexander Bublik in three sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Struff is a big favorite in this matchup, and we totally agree with that. Struff is a way more experienced and better grass court player, so we believe that he will dominate in this match from the very start.
That being said, Struff winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Jan-Lennard Struff to win 2-0 @1.62 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
