ATP 500 Beijing 1/16-Finals
Shang – Bu: 26.09.2024 Time TBA
H2H: first meeting
Juncheng Shang has won five straight matches. Last week in Chengdu, Shang won the title, winning against Musetti in the final as we predicted. Shang has been consistent throughout the whole season. He is still only 19 years old, and with such talent, we believe that he will eventually become a top 10 player. With his recent result in Chengdu, Shang came closer to the top 50 in the rankings. Last year in Beijing, Shang lost in the first round against Nishioka in three tight sets.
Yunchaokete Bu has won four of his last five matches. Bu was granted a Wild Card in Hangzhou last week, where he reached the semifinals, losing against Zhang in straight sets as we predicted. With that result, Bu became a top 100 player. So far this season, Bu has spent a lot of time playing at the challenger tour level. He has already won three challenger titles this season on the hard courts, and played two finals as well. The young Chinese is one of the biggest Chinese talents right now.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Shang is the favorite in this matchup. Juncheng will have enough time to rest for this tournament. He had the biggest result of his young career last week, so we believe that he will be fully confident coming into this match.
That being said, Shang winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Juncheng Shang winning 2-0 @2.20 @bet365
Mpetshi Perricard – Alcaraz: 26.09.2024 Time TBA
H2H: first meeting
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard has lost four of his last five matches. Last week in Chengdu, Mpetshi lost against Hanfmann in the second round of the tournament as we predicted. This has been a breakthrough season for the young French talent. He loves to play on the fast courts such as this one. Last year around this time, Giovanni spent most of his time playing at the challenger tour level.
Carlos Alcaraz has won four of his last five matches. Last week, Carlos won both of his matches for Spain in the Davis Cup as we predicted. After that, Alcaraz helped Team Europe win the Laver Cup. He won both of his singles matches in straight sets, and showed great tennis. After Carlos lost in the final of the Olympic Games against Djokovic, his form dropped. It affected him mentally, but it looks like Carlos is playing at the highest level yet again. Last year in Beijing, Alcaraz reached the semifinals, where he lost against Jannik Sinner in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Alcaraz is the huge favorite in this matchup. We believe that he will win this match. However, Mpetshi is a huge server, so we expect him to win some easy points on his serve, and keep this match tight.
That being said, Mpetshi Perricard covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard +5.5 games handicap @1.81 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
