ATP 250 Belgrade 2 1/16-Finals
Safiullin – Fognini: 05.11.2024 11:00 CEST
H2H: 1-0
Roman Safiullin has won five straight matches. Last week in Bratislava, Safiullin won the challenger title, winning against Collignon in the final in straight sets. The Russian won the title without losing a single set. Roman is hoping for a solid result this week, to get him closer to the top 50 in the rankings. He loves to play on the fast indoor hard courts such as this one. Last year around this time, Safiullin played in Paris, where he reached the 1/8-Finals, losing against Khachanov in three tight sets.
Fabio Fognini has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Paris, Fabio successfully qualified for the main-draw tournament. However, he lost his opening main-draw match against Bublik in straight sets. So far this season, Fognini has been somewhat consistent, and returned into the top 100 in the rankings. However, Fognini never had any success on indoor courts such as this one. Last year around this time, the Italian played in Metz, where he reached the semifinals, losing against Humbert in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Safiullin is the favorite in this matchup, and we agree with that. Roman had a decent run last week in Bratislava, so we expect him to be fully confident coming into this matchup. On the other hand, Fognini never had any success on the indoor courts. We expect Roman to dominate from the very start, and win this match easily.
That being said, Safiullin winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Roman Safiullin winning 2-0 @1.73 @bet365
Djere – Wawrinka: 05.11.2024 15:00 CEST
H2H: 0-2
Laslo Djere has lost three straight matches. His last win was three weeks ago in Stockholm, where he won his opening match against Martinez in straight sets as we predicted. Last week in Bratislava, Djere lost his opening match against Lestienne in three sets, after winning the first set 6-3. Laslo was granted a wild card here in Belgrade, so he will do his best to impress the home crowd. Last year around this time, Djere played in Paris, where he lost his second round match against Khachanov in straight sets.
Stanislas Wawrinka has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Bratislava, Stanislas played at the challenger tournament, where he lost against Prizmic in the second round of the tournament. Before that, Wawrinka had a solid tournament in Stockholm, where he reached the semifinals, which was also his biggest result of this season. Last year around this time, Wawrinka played in Metz, where he retired mid-match in the 1/8-Finals.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Djere is the slight underdog in this matchup. Laslo always underperforms on the indoor courts. On the other hand, Wawrinka usually has enough energy for the opening round. We expect him to be a better player in this match, and win comfortably.
That being said, Wawrinka winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Stanislas Wawrinka winning @1.67 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
