ATP 500 Rio de Janeiro 1/8-Finals
Munar – Faria: 20.02.2025 20:30 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Jaume Munar has won four of his last five matches. The last match he played before the ATP Rio de Janeiro was in Dallas, where he lost against Ruud in the semifinals in three tight sets. Munar surprisingly played in Dallas and skipped Buenos Aires. It is his sixth appearance in Rio de Janeiro. In the opening round, Munar won against Seyboth Wild in three sets. Jaume demolished Seyboth Wild in the deciding set, winning 6-0. Last season, Jaume lost against Seyboth Wild in the second round.
Jaime Faria has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Buenos Aires, he failed to qualify for the main draw tournament, and this week in Rio de Janeiro, he failed to qualify. However, with several players withdrawing, Jaime entered the main draw tournament as a lucky loser. In the opening main draw round, Faria won against Barrios Vera in straight sets. Besides losing his serve once in the second set, Faria served well throughout the match.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Munar is the favorite in this matchup, and we agree. He is a clay-court specialist and a way better player than Faria. We expect him to dominate in this match and win easily.
That being said, Munar covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Jaume Munar -4.5 games handicap @1.83 @bet365
Ugo Carabelli – Dzumhur: 20.02.2025 21:00 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Camilo Ugo Carabelli has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Buenos Aires, Camilo lost in the opening round against Baez in straight sets. This week in Rio de Janeiro, he failed to qualify for the main draw tournament, losing in the final qualifying round against Barrios Vera. However, he entered the main draw as a lucky loser. Ugo Carabelli upset Pablo Martinez in three tight sets in the opening main draw round. After losing the opening set 4-6, Ugo successfully turned the match around.
Damir Dzumhur has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Buenos Aires, Damir lost in the opening round against Martinez in three sets after winning the opening set 6-0. Dzumhur won his opening match against Lajovic in straight sets this week in Rio de Janeiro. Damir offered and saved only one breakpoint. Around this time last year, Dzumhur played in Doha, failing to qualify for the main draw tournament.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Dzumhur is the slight underdog in this matchup, but we disagree. Damir played great in the opening round against Lajovic. On the other hand, Ugo has already played three matches in Rio de Janeiro and struggled in each. He spent a lot of time on the court, and we expect Dzumhur to be better rested for this match.
That being said, Dzumhur winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Damir Dzumhur winning @2.10 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
