ATP Masters 1000 Rome 1/64-Finals
Bonzi – Halys: Time TBA
H2H: 2-2
Benjamin Bonzi has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Madrid, Bonzi retired mid-match against Fritz in the third round. After losing the second set 5-7, the Frenchman could not continue because of the lower back pain.
Quentin Halys has lost four of his last five matches. Last week in Aix en Provence, Halys lost in the opening round against Navone in straight sets. Around this time last season, the Frenchman played at the Challenger Tour level, preparing for the French Open.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, this will be a 50-50 matchup, but we disagree. Bonzi had a solid run last week in Madrid, where he delivered his best tennis. On the other hand, Halys has played only two clay-court matches this season and lost both in straight sets. We expect Bonzi to be a better player and win.
That being said, Bonzi winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Benjamin Bonzi winning @1.91 @bet365
Bu – Darderi: Time TBA
H2H: first meeting
Yunchaokete Bu has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Madrid, Bu lost in the opening round against Fearnley in straight sets. This will be his first appearance in Rome. The young Chinese rarely played on clay in his career. He plays his best tennis on fast, hard courts.
Luciano Darderi has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Aix en Provence, Darderi lost against Buse in the opening round of the Challenger tournament. Last season in Rome, Darderi lost against Zverev in the third round in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Darderi is the slight favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He is a way better clay-court player than Bu, and we expect him to dominate. Darderi will have a packed crowd on his side, and we believe he will win in straight sets.
That being said, Darderi winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Luciano Darderi winning 2-0 @2.38 @bet365
Bublik – Safiullin: Time TBA
H2H: 0-2
Alexander Bublik has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Madrid, Bublik lost in the 1/8-Finals against Mensik in straight sets. Last season in Rome, the Kazakh lost in the second round against Borges in straight sets.
Roman Safiullin has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Madrid, Safiullin lost in the opening round against Rinderknech in straight sets. Last season in Rome, he lost in the opening round against Moutet. He has never made it past the third round here.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, this will be a 50-50 matchup, but we disagree. Last week in Madrid, Bublik defeated Michelsen, Popyrin and Rublev en route to the 1/8-Finals. He played solidly throughout the week, and we expect him to continue in that fashion in Rome.
That being said, Bublik winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Alexander Bublik winning @1.80 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
