ATP 500 Tokyo qualifications
Van de Zandschulp – Nardi: 24.09.2024 04:00 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Botic Van de Zandschulp has lost three of his last five matches. This season has been a roller coaster for the Dutchman. Last week in the Davis Cup, Botic won one match, and lost two to the Netherlands. Here in Tokyo, Van de Zandschulp defeated Watanuki in the first qualifying match. Botic played a terrible first set. However, he stepped up his game, and did not lose his serve in the second and third sets. Van de Zandschulp is looking for a solid result here to get closer to the top 50 in the rankings.
Luca Nardi has won three of his last five matches. Luca is on the verge of dropping outside the top 100. Last week in Hangzhou, Nardi lost against Marozsan in straight sets as we predicted. Nardi had a poor performance, winning only two games in the whole match. Here in Tokyo, Nardi had a favorable draw in the qualifying tournament. He defeated Sakamoto in the first round, who was outside the top 700. Luca offered, and saved two breakpoints.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Botic is the slight favorite in this matchup. Both players are out of form. However, Van de Zandschulp is a better player on the fast courts such as this one. We believe that he will dominate from the very start, and win easily.
That being said, Van de Zandschulp winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Botic Van de Zandschulp winning @1.50 @bet365
Michelsen – Coric: 24.09.2024 05:30 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Alex Michelsen has won three of his last five matches. Before the ATP 500 in Tokyo, Michelsen took some time off. His last match before this tournament was at the US Open, where he lost against Sinner in the second round. Here in Tokyo, Alex won his first qualifying round match against Uchiyama in straight sets. Michelsen served great, not offering any breakpoints. This has been the best season for the young American, who is looking to cement his top 50 status.
Borna Coric has lost three of his last five matches. This has been one of the worst seasons for the young Croatian, who is close to dropping outside the top 100. Borna was one of the biggest talents 10 years ago. He used to defeat Federer, Nadal, and some other great players. However, Borna was inconsistent throughout the whole season. He even went back to the challenger tour level to regain his confidence, but he failed there as well. Here in Tokyo, Borna won his first qualifying round match against Dzumhur in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Michelsen is the slight favorite in this matchup. Coric struggled throughout the whole season. He underperformed on every surface this season. On the other hand, Michelsen had his biggest season, so we believe that he will be confident coming into this match.
That being said, Michelsen winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Alex Michelsen winning @1.62 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
