ATP 500 Basel 1/16-Finals
Cilic – Tabilo: 22.10.2024 Time TBA
H2H: first meeting
Marin Cilic has won three of his last five matches. Since winning the title in Hangzhou as we predicted, Marin has played two tournaments, and lost both of his opening matches. Two weeks ago in Shanghai, Cilic lost his opening match against Cazaux in straight sets. The former US Open champion showed glimpses of his best form. However, he barely played in 2023, so he still needs time to get back to the best level of competitive tennis.
Alejandro Tabilo has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Almaty, Tabilo reached the quarterfinals, where he lost against Diallo in three tight sets. So far this season, Alejandro has had some decent results on the fast courts, such as this one. Last year around this time, Alejandro was injured. He skipped the indoor season in Europe. He is looking for a solid result this week, to get back into the top 20 in the rankings, where he belongs.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, this should be a 50-50 match. Marin thrives under these fast conditions. We believe that he is a dark horse in this tournament, and that he will go deep this week. Tabilo tends to play better on the slower courts, so we believe that he will struggle against Cilic tomorrow.
That being said, Cilic winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Marin Cilic winning @2.00 @bet365
Bautista-Agut – Ruud: 22.10.2024 Time TBA
H2H: 2-1
Roberto Bautista-Agut has won five straight matches. Last week in Antwerp, Roberto secured his first title since 2022. Yesterday in the final, the Spaniard defeated Lehecka in straight sets and showed glimpses of his prime days. It was his biggest result of the season. Last year in Basel, Agut lost his opening match against Van de Zandschulp in three tight sets.
Casper Ruud has lost four of his last five matches. Last week in Stockholm, Casper lost his quarterfinal match against Griekspoor in straight sets. This is the least favorite part of the season for the Norwegian, who never had any success on the indoor courts. Casper is just struggling to keep up with the pace of the surface. We saw that last week against Griekspoor, where he was not hitting the ball with his forehand like he tends to. Last year in Basel, Casper lost in the second round of the tournament against Stricker in three tight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Ruud is the slight favorite in this matchup, and we agree with that. Roberto is 36 years old, and just won the title last week in Antwerp. He had almost no time to rest for the upcoming tournament here in Basel. We believe that he will be tired and lose this match.
That being said, Ruud winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Casper Ruud winning 2-0 @2.25 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
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