ATP 500 Tokyo 1/8-Finals
Nishioka – Rune: 28.09.2024 Time TBA
H2H: 1-1
Yoshihito Nishioka has won four of his last five matches. Last week in Hangzhou, Nishioka reached the second round of the tournament, when he lost against Marin Cilic in straight sets as we predicted. Here in Tokyo, Yoshihito upset Auger-Aliassime in the first round of the tournament. Nishioka is looking for a decent result this week with the help of the home crowd. With a solid result this week, Nishioka may get back into the top 50 in the rankings. Besides winning the title in Atlanta a couple of months ago, Nishioka has not had any remarkable results.
Holger Rune has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Hangzhou, Rune was the first seed, but lost his opening match against Uchiyama in straight sets. It was another poor performance from the young Dane, who lost his top 10 status recently. Here in Tokyo, Rune defeated Tabilo in his opening match. Last year, Holger struggled at this part of the season, so he will have almost no points to defend in the upcoming tournaments. Last year around this time, Holger played in Beijing, where he lost in the second round against Dimitrov in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Rune is the slight favorite in this matchup. Holger played solid tennis against Tabilo. Nishioka won his opening match against Auger, but it was overall a low-quality match, with both players making a lot of unforced errors. We believe that Rune is a better player at this moment, so we expect him to dominate against Nishioka.
That being said, Rune winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Holger Rune winning @1.50 @bet365
O´Connell – Michelsen: 28.09.2024 Time TBA
H2H: first meeting
Christopher O´Connell has won four of his last five matches. Here in Tokyo, Christopher successfully qualified for the main-draw tournament. O´Connell won both of his qualifying matches in straight sets. Today, Christopher won his opening main-draw match against Etcheverry in straight sets.
Alex Michelsen has won four of his last five matches. Before the ATP 500 in Tokyo, Michelsen took some time off. Here in Tokyo, Alex won his first qualifying round match against Uchiyama in straight sets. Michelsen served well, not offering any breakpoints. In the final qualifying round, Michelsen defeated Coric in straight sets as we predicted. Alex won his opening match against Tsitsipas today in straight sets as we predicted. This has been the best season for the young American, who is looking to cement his top 50 status.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Michelsen is the favorite in this matchup. We believe that he had a way better season than Christopher. O´Connell will struggle against Michelsen, who will come into this match fully confident, after winning against Tsitsipas.
That being said, Michelsen winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Alex Michelsen winning 2-0 @2.20 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK
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