ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai 1/8-Finals
Alcaraz – Monfils: 09.10.2024 08:00 CEST
H2H: 2-1
Carlos Alcaraz has won 11 straight matches. Last week in Beijing, Carlos lifted the title. Alcaraz defeated Sinner in the final as we predicted. It was a tough three-setter, but Carlos played better under pressure, and deservedly won the title. Here in Shanghai, Carlos won his opening match against Shang in straight sets. In the second round of the tournament, Alcaraz defeated Wu in straight sets. Last year in Shanghai, Carlos lost in the 1/8-Finals against Dimitrov in three tight sets.
Gaël Monfils has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Beijing, Monfils lost against Medvedev in straight sets in the first round of the tournament as we predicted. Here in Shanghai, Monfils defeated Dzumhur in tight straight sets. After that, in the second round of the tournament, Monfils defeated Baez in three tight sets. Today, in the third round, Gael upset Humbert in three tight sets. Gael is on the verge of dropping outside the top 50 in the rankings, so he is hoping for a solid result this week in Tokyo. Last year around this time, Gael played in Stockholm, where he won the tournament, winning against Kotov in the final.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Alcaraz is the big favorite in this matchup. Gael has been playing excellently throughout the whole week. We believe that he will be fully confident coming into this matchup, and keep this match tight.
That being said, Monfils covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Gaël Monfils +5.5 games handicap @1.83 @bet365
Mensik – Dimitrov: 09.10.2024 10:00 CEST
H2H: 1-0
Jakub Mensik has won four of his last five matches. Last week in Beijing, Mensik lost in the opening round against Cerundolo in straight sets. Here in Shanghai, Jakub won his opening match against Martinez in three tight sets. After that, in the second round, Mensik upset Rublev in three tight sets. After losing the first set 6-7, Jakub stepped up his level, and turned the match around. Today in the third round, Mensik defeated Shevchenko in three sets as we predicted. Mensik is looking for a solid result this week, to get closer to the top 50 in the rankings. Last year around this time, Mensik spent most of his time playing at the challenger tour level.
Grigor Dimitrov has won four of his last five matches. With his recent solid results, Dimitrov made an excellent return to the top 10. Right now, Grigor is fighting to qualify for the ATP finals. Here in Shanghai, Grigor defeated Bergs in three tight sets. It was a roller-coaster type of match, with both players making too many unforced errors. Today, in the third round, Dimitrov defeated Popyrin in straight sets. Last year in Shanghai, Dimitrov reached the semifinals, where he lost against Rublev in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Dimitrov is the favorite in this matchup. We believe that Mensik will be fully confident coming into this match, considering his recent performances. Jakub is a heavy hitter, and enjoys playing under these conditions. We believe that Mensik will keep this match tight.
That being said, Mensik covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Jakub Mensik +2.5 games handicap @2.00 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
