ATP 500 Dallas 1/16-Finals
Norrie – Michelsen: 04.02.2025 20:30 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Cameron Norrie has lost three of his last five matches. It has been a disappointing season so far for the Brit. The last match he played was in Melbourne two weeks ago, losing in the opening round of the Australian Open against Berrettini in four sets. Last season was also disappointing, resulting in him being outside the top 50 in the rankings. It is his third appearance in Dallas. The last time he played here was in 2020, losing against Jung in the second round.
Alex Michelsen has won four of his last five matches. Michelsen had a decent run two weeks ago in Melbourne, reaching the 1/8-Finals. He eventually lost against de Minaur in straight sets. Last week, Michelsen helped the USA win against Taiwan in the Davis Cup. The 20-year-old American currently has a career-high ranking of number 36. He enjoys playing on indoor hard courts. Last year in Dallas, Michelsen ended his debut campaign in the second round, losing against Tiafoe in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Michelsen is the favorite in this matchup, and we agree. Norrie has been struggling with his form for over a year. On the other hand, Michelsen is an upcoming talent who is currently playing his best tennis. We expect him to dominate in this matchup and win easily.
That being said, Michelsen winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Alex Michelsen winning 2-0 @2.20 @bet365
Paul – Brooksby: 04.02.2025 19:00 CEST
H2H: 2-0
Tommy Paul has won four of his last five matches. The last match he played was in Melbourne, where he reached the quarterfinals. As we predicted, he lost against Zverev in four sets. At the beginning of the season, Tommy played in Adelaide, losing against Auger-Aliassime in the semifinals. Last year, he won the title in Dallas, winning against Giron in three tight sets. It is his third appearance here.
Jenson Brooksby has lost three of his last five matches. Once ranked 33 in the world, Brooksby had a 2-year suspension related to missed drug tests. Now ranked outside the top 1000, Brooksby said he feels fine on the court and is ready to play. So far this season, Jenson played only two matches. Two weeks ago at the Australian Open, Brooksby was demolished by Fritz in straight sets in the opening round. Last week in Cleveland under similar conditions, Brooksby lost against Wolf in straight sets in the opening round. He struggled on the court and was overall inconsistent.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Paul is the favorite in this matchup, and we agree. Jenson’s suspension impacted his tennis a lot. He struggled in his opening matches this season. On the other hand, Tommy has played well this season so far. He is also a defending champion in Dallas, and we expect him to go deep this week.
That being said, Paul covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Tommy Paul -5.5 games handicap @1.67 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
