ATP 500 Dubai 1/8-Finals
Borges – Auger-Aliassime: 26.02.2025 11:00 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Nuno Borges has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Doha, Nuno lost in the second round against Rublev in straight sets, as we had predicted. He started this season well, reaching the semifinals in Auckland. Bergs eventually stopped him in three tight sets. Nuno played well in Melbourne as well. He put up a big fight against Alcaraz in the third round, losing in four tight sets. Today in Dubai, as we predicted, Nuno won his opening round match against Fils in straight sets. Around this time last year, Borges played in Acapulco, losing in the opening round in three tight sets.
Felix Auger-Aliassime has won four of his last five matches. Last week in Doha, Felix reached the semifinals, losing against Rublev in three tight sets. A few weeks ago, Felix won the title in Montpellier, winning against Kovacevic in the final. At the beginning of the season, Felix won the title in Adelaide, winning against Korda in the final. It is his second appearance in Dubai. Today, Felix won against Bublik in three tight sets in the opening round. In his debut campaign, 2023, Felix lost in the second round against Sonego in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Felix is the favorite in this matchup, but we disagree. Borges dominated in the opening round match against Fils, losing only three games. On the other hand, Felix looked exhausted in his opening-round match against Bublik. We expect Borges to dominate the rallies and keep this match tight.
That being said, Borges covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Nuno Borges +2.5 games handicap @2.00 @bet365
Popyrin – Cilic: 26.02.2025 11:00 CEST
H2H: 1-1
Alexei Popyrin has lost four of his last five matches. Last week in Doha, Alexei lost in the opening round against Draper in straight sets. Today in Dubai, Popyrin ended his five-match losing streak. He won the opening round match against Habib in straight sets but did not offer any breakpoints.
Marin Cilic has lost three of his last five matches. This will be his third match of the season. So far this season, Marin has only played in Doha. He had an unlucky draw and faced Alcaraz in the opening round. However, as we predicted, Cilic put up a big fight and lost in tight straight sets. It is his seventh appearance in Dubai. He has never made it past the quarterfinals. In the opening round, Marin upset de Minaur in three tight sets today. Around this time last year, Cilic was injured and skipped most of the season.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Cilic is the underdog in this matchup, but we disagree. Marin played exceptionally well against de Minaur today. When he is fit, Cilic is always dangerous. On the other hand, Popyrin has been in terrible form for the last couple of months. We expect Cilic to put up a big fight and win.
That being said, Cilic winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Marin Cilic winning @2.30 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
