ATP 500 Vienna 1/16-Finals
Nishikori – Draper: 22.10.2024 Time TBA
H2H: 0-1
Kei Nishikori has won three of his last five matches. Two weeks ago in Shanghai, Kei reached the second round of the tournament, where he lost against Tsitsipas in straight sets. So far this season, Kei has not played many matches due to his fitness issues. His biggest result was reaching the quarterfinals in Montreal earlier this season. Last year around this time, Nishikori was injured, and skipped most of the second part of the season.
Jack Draper has won three of his last five matches. The last match Draper played was in Tokyo, where he reached the quarterfinals, retiring against Humbert mid-match. Draper then pulled out of the Shanghai Masters due to an abdominal injury. We are not sure if he is 100% ready for his opening match here in Vienna. So far this season, Jack has had a decent amount of success on the fast hard courts such as this one. Last year around this time, Draper spent some time playing at the challenger tour level.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Draper is the favorite in this matchup. Kei usually performs well in the opening round. We believe that he is well rested, and that he will be ready for this match. On the other hand, the question remains if Jack is fully fit for this matchup. We believe that Nishikori will have a chance tomorrow and keep this match tight.
That being said, Nishikori covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Kei Nishikori +4.5 games handicap @1.72 @bet365
Struff – de Minaur: 22.10.2024 Time TBA
H2H: 2-4
Jan-Lennard Struff has lost four of his last five matches. His last match was in the US Open, where he lost his opening match against Laslo Djere in five tight sets. His last win was two months ago in the Olympic Games, where he defeated Cabral, who was an unranked player, in straight sets. So far this season, Jan has only five hard-court wins. His biggest result was in Munich, where he won his maiden ATP title. Last year around this time, Struff played in Basel, where he lost in the second round against Hurkacz in straight sets.
Alex de Minaur has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Antwerp, de Minaur reached the quarterfinals, where he was upset by Gaston in three tight sets. Alex has not played many matches recently due to his hip injury. Last year around this time, de Minaur played in Basel, where he lost in the 1/8-Finals against Griekspoor in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, de Minaur is the favorite in this matchup. We believe that he is a far better indoor player than Struff. Jan has been struggling with an injury recently, and has not played any competitive matches for a while now. We believe that Alex will get the job done easily tomorrow.
That being said, de Minaur winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Alex de Minaur winning 2-0 @2.00 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
