ATP 500 Acapulco 1/8-Finals
Pacheco Mendez – Ruud: 27.02.2025 04:00 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Rodrigo Pacheco Mendez has played four of his last five matches. The last match he played before the ATP 500 Acapulco was three weeks ago in Antalya, on clay in an ITF tournament. This week in Acapulco, Rodrigo was granted a wild card. In the opening round match, Pacheco Mendez upset Vukic in three tight sets after spending over three hours on the court.
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. In the opening round match, Casper easily won against Rinderknech in straight sets, as we had predicted.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Casper is the favorite in this matchup, and we agree. Pacheco Mendez is an ITF tour-level player who has never had any success at the highest level. On the other hand, Casper enjoys playing in Acapulco and is a way better player than Rodrigo. We expect a one-sided match from the start until the end.
That being said, Ruud covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Casper Ruud -5.5 games handicap @2.00 @bet365
Zverev – Tien: 27.02.2025 02:30 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Alexander Zverev has won three of his last five matches. After the Australian Open, Zverev decided to play in two clay court tournaments. As we had predicted, Sascha lost in the quarterfinals against Cerundolo in Buenos Aires. Last week in Rio de Janeiro, Comesana upset Zverev in three tight sets. It is his seventh appearance in Acapulco. He is the first seed this week. In the opening round match, Sascha won against Arnaldi after losing the opening set 6-7. Last season, Altmaier upset Zverev in the opening round. Sascha won the title here in 2021.
Learner Tien has won four of his last five matches. This week in Acapulco, Tien qualified for the main draw tournament, winning both qualifying matches in straight sets. Tien won against Norrie in straight sets in the opening main draw round. Tien trailed 4-5 in the opening set but broke Cameron’s serve immediately and got the job done in tiebreak. Tien dominated until the end of the second set and deservedly won in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Zverev is the favorite in this matchup, and we agree. Sascha played well in his opening match against Arnaldi. He adapted quickly to the surface and was unstoppable in the second and third sets. We expect him to dominate in this matchup and believe his experience will prevail.
That being said, Zverev winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Alexander Zverev winning 2-0 @1.73 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
