ATP 250 Marseille 1/16-Finals
Virtanen – Korda: 10.02.2025 17:30 CEST
H2H: 1-0
Otto Virtanen has lost four straight matches. His last win happened last season in Helsinki over three months ago. The last match he played was in the Davis Cup two weeks ago, losing against Neumayer in three sets. So far this season, Virtanen has played three tournaments and exited in the opening round each time. Around this time last year, Otto played at the Challenger Tour level. He hopes for a solid result this week to stay in the top 100.
Sebastian Korda has won three of his last five matches. Korda reached the final in Adelaide at the beginning of the season, losing against Auger-Aliassime in three sets. The last match he played was at the Australian Open, losing against Vukic in the second round, as we predicted. Korda underwent surgery on his right elbow, which is why he skipped the second part of the 2024 season. Last year in Marseille, Korda lost in the second round against Dimitrov in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Virtanen is the big underdog in this matchup, but we disagree. Otto enjoys playing on indoor hard courts. He has a big serve and will hold his service games easily. We expect a tight match with possible tiebreaks.
That being said, Virtanen covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Otto Virtanen +3.5 games handicap @1.80 @bet365
Sonego – Van de Zandschulp: 10.02.2025 19:00 CEST
H2H: 1-0
Lorenzo Sonego has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Rotterdam, Sonego lost in the opening round against Rune in straight sets. Lorenzo had a solid run at the Australian Open three weeks ago in Melbourne. As we predicted, he reached the quarterfinals, losing against Shelton in four tight sets. It is his first appearance in Marseille. Around this time last year, Sonego played in Dubai, losing in the second round against Medvedev in three sets.
Botic Van de Zandschulp has lost five straight matches. Last week in Rotterdam, Botic lost in the opening round against Alcaraz in three sets. His last win happened last season in November, winning against Altmaier in three tight sets. Van de Zandschulp had a disappointing 2024 season. The former world number 22 is outside the top 80 rankings. He needs to start winning to get back into the top 50. It is his first appearance in Marseille. Around this time last year, Botic played in Doha, losing in the opening round against Monfils in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, this will be a 50-50 match, but we disagree. Botic is in terrible form and has been winless for over two months. On the other hand, Lorenzo played great in Melbourne and almost won against Rune last week in Rotterdam. He is in better form, and we expect him to win easily.
That being said, Sonego winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Lorenzo Sonego winning @1.80 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
