ATP 500 Barcelona 1/8-Finals
Davidovich Fokina – Rublev: 17.04.2025 Time TBA
H2H: 0-5
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina has won four of his last five matches. He had a decent run last week in Monte Carlo, eventually failing against Alcaraz in the semifinals. The Spaniard is a solid clay-court player and will have a crowd on his side. This week in Barcelona, he won against Wawrinka in straight sets. He trailed 2-4 in the second set but turned it around. Last season in Barcelona, Davidovich Fokina lost against Lajovic in the third round.
Andrey Rublev lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Monte Carlo, Rublev lost to Fils in the 1/8-Finals in straight sets. This week in Barcelona, Rublev had a favourable first-round draw. He defeated de Jong in straight sets almost within an hour. Last season in Barcelona, Rublev lost in the second round against Nakashima in straight sets.
Best Bets to Make
Main Bet
According to the bookies, this will be an almost 50-50 matchup, but we disagree. Davidovich Fokina had a solid run last season in Monte Carlo, where he put up a big fight against Alcaraz in the semifinals. Rublev has played only three matches on clay this season and has not done much. The Spaniard will have a packed crowd, and we expect him to deliver.
That being said, Davidovich Fokina winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Alejandro Davidovich Fokina winning @2.00 @bet365
Extra Bet
Last week in Monte Carlo, Fils demolished Rublev in straight sets. We expect a similar outcome tomorrow as well. If you love to take risks, there is value in Davidovich Fokina winning in straight sets.
That said, Davidovich Fokina winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Davidovich Fokina winning 2-0 @3.40 @bet365
Munar – Khachanov: 17.04.2025 Time TBA
H2H: 0-1
Jaume Munar has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Monte Carlo, Munar failed to qualify for the main draw tournament. This week in Barcelona, Munar turned the match around against Tiafoe after losing the opening set 2-6. He trailed 0-3 in the second set but kept his composure.
Karen Khachanov has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Monte Carlo, Khachanov lost in the opening round against Medvedev in three tight sets. This week in Barcelona, Khachanov fought hard against Norrie to secure a three-set win. After losing the opening set 6-7, he turned the match around and won after two hours on the court.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Munar is the underdog in this matchup, but we disagree. He is a clay-court specialist and enjoys playing in Barcelona. On the other hand, Khachanov usually underperforms on slow courts. We expect Munar to win with the help of the crowd.
That being said, Munar winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Jaume Munar winning @2.10 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
