ATP 250 Hong Kong quarterfinals
Munar – Musetti: 03.01.2025 07:30 CEST
H2H: 3-1
Jaume Munar has won three of his last five matches. In Hong Kong, the Spaniard won his opening round match against Davidovich Fokina after losing the first set 4-6. Munar is a clay court specialist and rarely has any results on hard courts such as this one. In the second round, Munar defeated Borges in straight sets. Jaume lost his serve only once in the match. Other than that, the Spaniard served well throughout the match. Around this time last year, Munar played in Rune, losing in the tournament’s opening round against Griekspoor in straight sets.
Lorenzo Musetti has lost three of his last five matches. He is the second seed in the tournament, so the expectations are high. In his opening-round match, Lorenzo defeated Diallo in easy straight sets. He was great under pressure, saving both breakpoints and playing his best tennis when it was tight. Last year in Hong Kong, Musetti lost in the second round against Kotov in straight sets. He is currently a top-20 player and is looking to cement his status.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Musetti is the favorite in this match, and we agree. Munar has never had any success on fast courts like this one. We believe that Lorenzo will be a better player on the court tomorrow and win comfortably.
That said, Musetti winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Lorenzo Musetti winning 2-0 @2.00 @bet365
Nishikori – Norrie: 03.01.2025 11:30 CEST
H2H: 2-0
Kei Nishikori has won seven straight matches. In his last tournament in 2024, Nishikori won the Challenger title in Helsinki, winning against Nardi in the final. Here in Hong Kong, Kei dominated the opening round match against Shapovalov, winning straight sets. Nishikori saved both breakpoints and played almost his best tennis. In the second round, Kei defeated Khachanov in three tight sets. After losing the first set 4-6, Nishikori stepped up his level and turned the match around. Kei is looking for a solid result this week to get closer to the top 100 in the rankings where he belongs.
Cameron Norrie has won four of his last five matches. Here in Hong Kong, the Brit won his opening-round match against Tien in straight sets. Norrie was 3-5 down in the second set but kept his calm and turned the second set around. In the second round, Cam defeated Sonego in a roller coaster match. Norrie ended up winning the match in three sets. Last season was a rough season for Norrie, who is on the verge of dropping outside the top 50 in the rankings.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Nishikori is the slight favorite in this matchup, and we agree. Kei is in great form, and we expect him to be fully confident when coming into this match. Norrie is still far from his best form, so we expect Kei to dominate this match.
That said, Nishikori winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Kei Nishikori winning @1.73 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
