ATP 500 Washington 1/8-Finals
Shapovalov – Kecmanovic: 01.08.2024 Time TBA
H2H: 5-0
Denis Shapovalov has won three of his last five matches. The Canadian is slowly getting better and returning to his best days. Last week in Atlanta, Shapovalov lost his first round match against Goffin in three sets. Here in Washington, Denis won his first round match against Bautista-Agut in easy straight sets. Shapovalov lost his serve twice in the second set, but other than that, the Canadian was consistent throughout the match. In the second round, Denis defeated Mannarino in straight sets as we predicted. It was an outstanding performance.
Miomir Kecmanovic has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Atlanta, Miomir lost his first round match against Walton in straight sets. Here in Washington, Kecmanovic won his first round match against Wolf in straight sets. Miomir was great under pressure. He offered, and saved five breakpoints. So far this season, Kecmanovic has not had any remarkable results.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Shapovalov is the slight favorite in this matchup. Looking at their head-to-head meetings, Denis won all five meetings. He is currently in better form than Miomir, so we believe that he will continue his winning streak here in Washington.
That being said, Shapovalov winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Denis Shapovalov winning @1.57 @bet365
Kovacevic – Tiafoe: 01.08.2024 Time TBA
H2H: first meeting
Aleksandar Kovacevic has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Atlanta, Aleksandar lost his first round match against Opelka in straight sets. Here in Washington, Kovacevic won his first round match against Nishioka in three tight sets. After that, Kovacevic won against Carballes Baena in two tight tiebreaks. So far this season, Kovacevic has not had any remarkable results.
Frances Tiafoe has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Atlanta, Tiafoe reached the quarterfinals where he lost against Nishioka in straight sets as we predicted. It was also his first hard court tournament after Wimbledon. Here in Washington, Tiafoe won his first match against Galan in three tight sets. Frances lost the first set, but stepped up his level and turned the match around. Besides losing his serve twice in the first set, Tiafoe had an outstanding serving performance in the second and third sets. Frances is on the verge of losing his top 30 spot. This is his eighth appearance in Washington. Last year in Washington, Frances reached the quarterfinals where he lost against Dan Evans in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Tiafoe is the favorite in this matchup. We believe that his recent win against Galan will give him much-needed self-confidence. Frances will give his best to go deep this week to prepare for the upcoming tournaments, including the US Open. We believe that he will dominate against Kovacevic, and win easily.
That being said, Tiafoe winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Frances Tiafoe winning 2-0 @2.25 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
