ATP 250 Eastbourne final
Fritz – Purcell: 29.06.2024 15:30 CEST
H2H: 1-0
Taylor Fritz has won four of his last five matches. Last week, Fritz reached the quarterfinals in London where he lost against Jordan Thompson in straight sets as we predicted. Here in Eastbourne, Taylor defeated Seyboth Wild in the first round. In the quarterfinals, Fritz defeated Shang in two tiebreaks as we predicted. Fritz offered four breakpoints, and saved all of them. Today in the semifinals, Vukic kept the match tight as we predicted. Fritz has won yet again in two tiebreaks. He offered only one breakpoint, and saved it successfully. Taylor is yet to lose a set in the tournament. Fun fact is that he has played five tiebreaks already in the tournament. Last year in Eastbourne, Fritz lost in the first round against McDonald. Fritz had his best year on grass in 2022 when he lifted the trophy in Eastbourne. It was not his only title in Eastbourne. In 2019, Fritz won the tournament in Eastbourne as well. Right after that, Fritz reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon where he lost against Rafael Nadal in five tough sets, after he was 2-1 up. So far this season, Fritz has already won one title. It was in Delray Beach where he won against Tommy Paul in the final.
Max Purcell has won six straight matches. Last week in Halle, Max lost in the first round against Alexander Bublik. Here in Eastbourne, Purcell fought through the qualifying tournament by winning both matches in straight sets. In the first main draw round, Max defeated Djere in three tight sets. In the second round, Purcell won against Lorenzo Sonego in straight sets, and showed us yet again how dangerous he is on grass. Max lost his serve only once in the match, which was in the first set. After that, in the quarterfinals, Purcell dominated from the very start against Kecmanovic and won the match in straight sets. Max lost his serve in the second set after he was serving for the match. However, Purcell kept his composure and won the match in the end. In the semifinals, Purcell defeated Harris as we predicted. His experience did prevail. Purcell played better tennis in the third set, and managed to save both breakpoints in the deciding set. Max always delivers his best tennis on the grass courts. In 2021, Purcell reached the semifinals here in Eastbourne, which was his best result at the ATP tour level. So far this season, Purcell has spent most of his time playing at the challenger tour level. This will be the biggest match of his career.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Fritz is the big favorite in this matchup. We expect a similar match like his semifinal match against Vukic. Purcell is also a solid server, so we believe that he will keep this match tight. In their only head-to-head meeting, Fritz won surprisingly in two tiebreaks last year in Basel. Taylor is a bad returner, so expect another tiebreak/s in the final as well.
That being said, Purcell covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Max Purcell +3.5 games handicap @2.00 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
