ATP 500 Acapulco 1/16-Finals
Rinderknech – Ruud: 25.02.2025 01:00 CEST
H2H: 0-2
Arthur Rinderknech has lost three of his last five matches. The last match he played was in Delray Beach. He lost in the second round against Norrie in straight sets. So far this season, Rinderknech has struggled with his form. He is currently outside the top 60. The last time he had consecutive wins was last season in Paris. It is his first appearance in Acapulco. Around this time last year, Arthur played at the Challenger Tour level.
Casper Ruud has won four of his last five matches. His last match was in Dallas, where he reached the final. Shapovalov was a better player in the final and deservedly won against Ruud in straight sets, as we had predicted. Finishing as a runner-up in Dallas was his best result this season. Last season in Acapulco, Casper finished as a runner-up. He lost against de Minaur in the final in straight sets. It is his fourth appearance in Acapulco.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Ruud is the favorite in this matchup, and we agree. Rinderknech has been struggling with his form for the last couple of months. On the other hand, Ruud has to defend many points in Acapulco, where he played well last season. Casper is in solid form, and we expect him to dominate against Arthur tonight.
That being said, Ruud covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Casper Ruud -4.5 games handicap @2.00 @bet365
Cobolli – Shelton: 25.02.2025 02:30 CEST
H2H: 2-0
Flavio Cobolli has lost five straight matches. His last win happened at the beginning of the season in the United Cup. Cobolli exited in the opening round in his previous four tournaments each time. The last match he played was in Rotterdam three weeks ago. He lost in the opening round against Hurkacz in straight sets. It is his second appearance in Acapulco. Last season, Flavio lost in the second round against Tsitsipas in tight straight sets.
Ben Shelton has won three of his last five matches. The last match he played was in Dallas, where he lost in the second round against Munar in straight sets. Ben played poorly, making too many unforced errors. Earlier this season at the Australian Open, Shelton reached the semifinals. He hopes for a solid result this week to reach the top 10 in the rankings. It is his third appearance in Acapulco. Last season, Ben reached the quarterfinals, losing against Ruud in three tight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Shelton is the favorite in this matchup, and we agree. Ben is a better hard-court player than Cobolli. Flavio is in terrible form now, and we expect him to prolong his losing streak. On the other hand, Ben played well in Australia and will be confident coming into this match.
That being said, Shelton covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Ben Shelton -3.5 games handicap @2.10 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
