The ATP 250 Houston continues with some clear first-round angles. Kovacevic has the H2H edge and should be more comfortable on clay than Hijikata, while Michelsen looks solid at home and capable of handling Wong in straight sets. Popyrin, despite recent struggles, still brings more experience and weapons, which should be enough to get through.
ATP 250 Houston 1/16-Finals
Kovacevic – Hijikata: 01.04.2024 01:00 CEST
H2H: 3-1
Aleksandar Kovacevic has lost three of his last five matches. The last match he played was in Miami, where he lost to Sakamoto in the opening round. Last season in Houston, the American lost to Brooksby in the quarterfinals in three sets.
Rinky Hijikata has won three of his last five matches. The last match he played was in Miami, where he lost to Walton in the final qualifying round. Last season in Houston, Hijikata lost to Eubanks in the opening round in three tight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Kovacevic is the slight favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He defeated Hijikata in the past three head-to-head meetings. Hijikata struggled on clay throughout his career, so we expect Kovacevic to have an edge in this matchup.
That being said, Kovacevic winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Aleksandar Kovacevic winning @1.53 @bet365
Michelsen – Wong: 01.04.2026 01:00 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Alex Michelsen has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Miami, Michelsen lost to Sinner in the 1/8-Finals in straight sets. Last season in Houston, the American lost to Tiafoe in the quarterfinals in straight sets.
Chak Wong has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Morelia, Wong lost in the opening round of the Challenger tournament to Mejia in straight sets. So far this season, Wong has not played any clay court matches. This is his debut campaign in Houston.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Michelsen is the favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He enjoys playing at home. Neither player ever succeeded on clay courts, but Michelsen is still a better clay-court player. With the help of the home crowd, we expect him to get a comfortable win.
That being said, Michelsen winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Alex Michelsen winning 2-0 @1.83 @bet365
Popyrin – Kypson: 01.04.2026 02:30 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Alexei Popyrin has lost four of his last five matches. The last match he played was in Miami, where he lost to Cilic in the opening round in straight sets. So far this season, the Australian has not played any clay-court matches.
Patrick Kypson has lost three of his last five matches. The last match he played was in Miami, where he lost to Basilashvili in the opening qualifying round. So far this season, the American has not played any clay-court matches.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Popyrin is the slight favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He has more ATP Tour experience than Kypson and had decent clay-court wins last season. We expect him to dominate on his serve and win.
That being said, Popyrin winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Alexei Popyrin winning @1.53 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
