ATP Masters 1000 Montreal 1/8-Finals
Dimitrov – Popyrin: 09.08.2024 22:30 CEST
H2H: 1-1
Grigor Dimitrov has won four of his last five matches. This is his first tournament after he retired mid-match at Wimbledon against Medvedev. Here in Montreal, Grigor looked fit and ready. He defeated Hijikata 6-1 6-0. Dimitrov lost only one game at the beginning of the first set. After that, Hijikata was helpless on the court. At the beginning of the season, Dimitrov won the title in Brisbane, which was his only title this season.
Alexei Popyrin has won four of his last five matches. Last week in Paris, Popyrin lost in the 1/8-Finals of the Olympic Games against Zverev in straight tight sets. Here in Montreal, Alexei defeated Machac in straight sets. Popyrin lost his serve once at the beginning of the second set, but stepped up his level, and turned the set immediately around. After that, in the second round, Popyrin won against Shelton in straight sets as we predicted. It was a great serving performance from him, not offering any breakpoints. The Australian is looking to go deep this week, to get back in the top 50 in the rankings.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Dimitrov is the big favorite in this matchup. Alexei is a great server, which he showed in his recent matches here in Montreal. We believe that he will be able to hold his serve easily, and keep this match tight.
That being said, Popyrin covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Alexei Popyrin +3.5 games handicap @1.73 @bet365
Rune – Zverev: 10.08.2024 01:00 CEST
H2H: 1-1
Holger Rune has won four of his last five matches. His last match before the Masters in Montreal was three weeks ago in Hamburg, where he retired mid-match against Fils due to knee discomfort. Rune was trailing 6-4 to 4-1 when he made this decision. After that, Rune had to skip the Olympic Games as well. Here in Montreal, Rune defeated Bautista-Agut in the first round of the tournament in three tight sets. After that, in the second round, Holger defeated Carreno-Busta in straight sets. Holger did not offer any breakpoints, and played great throughout the whole match. This season was not the greatest for the Dane.
Alexander Zverev has won four of his last five matches. Last week in Paris, Zverev lost against Musetti in the quarterfinals of the Olympic Games in straight sets as we predicted. Sascha failed to defend his gold medal from the last Olympic Games. Here in Montreal, Zverev looked great in his first match. He won 6-1 against Thompson. Back in 2017, Zverev secured his maiden title here in Montreal, by upsetting Federer in the final. Last year in Toronto, Zverev was absolutely demolished by Davidovich Fokina in the second round of the tournament.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Rune is the big underdog in this matchup. We know what Rune is capable of. We believe that this will be a high-quality match. Rune is slowly getting his best form back, so we believe that he will keep this match tight.
That being said, Rune covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Holger Rune +3.5 games handicap @1.71 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
