ATP 500 Basel 1/16-Finals
Martinez – Lehecka: 23.10.2024 Time TBA
H2H: 0-1
Pablo Martinez has won four of his last five matches. The Spaniard decided to play in Valencia two weeks ago on clay. It was the right decision, since Pablo won the challenger title. Martinez had his biggest results on the slower clay courts. He has already won a couple of challenger titles, which cemented his top 50 status. However, last week in Stockholm, Martinez was absolutely demolished by Djere in straight sets as we predicted. Martinez never had any success on the indoor hard courts. Last year around this time, Martinez played at the challenger tour level.
Jiri Lehecka has won four of his last five matches. Last week in Antwerp, Jiri reached the final, where he fell short against Bautista-Agut in straight sets. The young Czech is still inexperienced, so he fumbled under pressure in the final. Earlier this season, Lehecka won his maiden title in Adelaide, winning against Draper in the final. Last year around this time, Jiri played in Vienna, where he reached the 1/8-Finals, losing against Khachanov in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Lehecka is a big favorite in this matchup, and we agree with that. Pablo Martinez is a clay court specialist, but he never had any success on the indoor hard courts. On the other hand, Lehecka is playing his best tennis, so we expect him to dominate from the very start, and win this match easily.
That being said, Lehecka winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Jiri Lehecka winning 2-0 @1.62 @bet365
Mannarino – Wawrinka: 23.10.2024 Time TBA
H2H: 3-0
Adrian Mannarino has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Almaty, Mannarino lost in the 1/8-Finals against Vukic in straight sets. Mannarino struggled throughout the whole season, resulting in him dropping outside the top 50 in the rankings. Last season, Adrian had his biggest results. However, he underperformed on every surface this season. Last year in Basel, Mannarino lost his opening match against Jarry in three tight sets.
Stanislas Wawrinka has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Stockholm, Stan reached the semifinals, where he lost against Tommy Paul in straight sets. That was also his biggest result of the season. This has been by far the worst season for Stan the Man. He is outside the top 150 in the rankings right now. Wawrinka is 39 years old, and his on-court movement is limited. Last year in Basel, Stanislas lost his opening match against Shevchenko in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Wawrinka is the slight favorite in this matchup, and we can not agree with that. He had an exhausting week last week, so we believe that he did not have enough time to rest for his opening match against Mannarino. Adrian is a solid indoor hard court player, so we believe that he will have more energy and win this match.
That being said, Mannarino winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Adrian Mannarino winning @2.30 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports
