ATP US Open 1/32-Finals
Bellucci – O´Connell: 29.08.2024 Time TBA
H2H: first meeting
Mattia Bellucci has won four of her last five matches. Last week in Cary, Bellucci played in the final of the challenger tournament where he lost against Safiullin in three tight sets. It was a solid preparation for the upcoming tournaments. Here in New York, Bellucci won all the qualifying rounds in straight sets. Mattia dominated in every single match, and showed that he was ready for the main-draw tournament. In the first round of the main draw, Bellucci defeated Wawrinka in straight sets as we predicted. He is looking to get a solid result here in New York to get into the top 100.
Christopher O´Connell has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Winston-Salem, Christopher lost in the second round against Rinderknech in straight sets. Here in New York, O´Connell won his first round match against Jarry convincingly in four sets. He lost his serve only once, at the beginning of the third set. Other than that, Christopher had a solid serving performance. Last year in New York, O´Connell reached the second round of the tournament, when he lost against Medvedev in four sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Bellucci is the slight favorite in this matchup. Mattia is currently in better form than O´Connell. He has already played four matches here in New York, and is yet to lose a set. We believe that he will continue in that fashion, and win comfortably yet again.
That being said, Bellucci covering the set handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Mattia Bellucci -1.5 sets @1.85 @bet365
Alcaraz – Van de Zandschulp: 29.08.2024 Time TBA
H2H: 2-0
Carlos Alcaraz has won three of his last five matches. After losing a tight match against Novak Djokovic in the final of the Olympic Games, Carlos took some time off. He played only one preparation tournament two weeks ago in Cincinnati. He was upset there by Monfils in his opening match. Alcaraz mentioned that it was one of his worst matches of his career. He was visibly emotional on the court. Yesterday, Carlos won against Tu in four sets as we predicted. Last year at the US Open, Medvedev upset Alcaraz in the semifinals.
Botic Van de Zandschulp has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Winston-Salem, Botic lost his first round match against Cazaux in straight sets. This has been a disappointing season so far for de Zandschulp. Yesterday, Van de Zandschulp won his first round match against Shapovalov as we predicted. Last year in New York, Botic lost in the second round against Dan Evans.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Carlos is the big favorite in this matchup, and we agree with that. Alcaraz tends to start slow in the tournament, but once he gets going, he is almost unstoppable. We believe that he will dominate from the very start, and win easily.
That being said, Alcaraz winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Carlos Alcaraz winning 3-0 @1.53 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
