ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai 1/16-Finals
Fritz – Watanuki: 08.10.2024 Time TBA
H2H: 1-0
Taylor Fritz has won two of their last five matches. Last week in Tokyo, Fritz was upset by Fils in the opening round. Here in Shanghai, Taylor won his opening match against Atmane in two tight tiebreaks. Both players served greatly throughout the whole match, losing their serve only once in the match. Taylor was a better player under pressure, and deservedly won the match. Last year in Shanghai, Fritz lost in the third round against Schwartzman in three tight sets.
Yosuke Watanuki has won four of his last five matches. Last week in Tokyo, Watanuki failed to qualify for the main-draw tournament. Here in Shanghai, Watanuku fought successfully in the qualifying tournament. In the opening main-draw round, Watanuki lost the first set against Kotov, but stayed calm and turned the match around, winning in three tight sets. After that, in the second round, Watanuki upset Nakashima in straight sets. Last year in Shanghai, Watanuki reached the second round, where he fell short against Fritz in three tight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Watanuki is the big underdog in this matchup. Yosuke played solid tennis this week in Shanghai. In their last head-to-head meeting, Watanuki had a chance against Fritz, but ended up losing the match in three tight sets. We expect a similar outcome tomorrow as well.
That being said, Watanuki covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Yosuke Watanuki +3.5 games handicap @2.20 @bet365
Goffin – Giron: 08.10.2024 Time TBA
H2H: 0-2
David Goffin has won three of his last five matches. Here in Shanghai, Goffin defeated Duckworth in straight sets in his opening match. After that, in the second round of the tournament, David defeated Musetti in three sets as we predicted. So far this season, Goffin has not had any remarkable results. He spent a lot of time playing at the challenger
Marcos Giron has lost four of his last five matches. Giron is on the verge of dropping outside the top 50 in the rankings. He has been struggling with his form recently. Here in Shanghai, Giron defeated Tu in straight sets as we predicted. It was his first win on the tour since winning the title at Newport on grass. After that, in the second round of the tournament, Giron won against Khachanov in straight sets. Last year in Shanghai, Giron lost in the second round of the tournament against Sinner in two tight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, this should be a 50-50 match. Marcos loves to play under these fast conditions. He showed great tennis in his first two matches, and we expect him to continue in that fashion. Looking at their head-to-head meetings, Giron won both matches under similar conditions.
That being said, Giron winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Marcos Giron winning @1.80 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
