ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai 1/16-Finals
Popyrin – Dimitrov: 08.10.2024 Time TBA
H2H: 2-1
Alexei Popyrin has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Tokyo, Popyrin lost in the opening round against Machac in three tight sets. Here in Shanghai, Popyrin won his opening match against Kecmanovic in straight sets as we predicted. A few months ago, Popyrin won the biggest title of his career at the Montreal Masters. With that result, Popyrin climbed all the way up to the top 30 in the rankings. Last year in Shanghai, Popyrin lost in the opening round against Arnaldi in three tight sets.
Grigor Dimitrov has won four of his last five matches. With his recent solid results, Dimitrov made an excellent return to the top 10. Right now, Grigor is fighting to qualify for the ATP finals. Here in Shanghai, Grigor defeated Bergs in three tight sets. It was a roller-coaster type of match, with both players making too many unforced errors. Last year in Shanghai, Dimitrov reached the semifinals, where he lost against Rublev in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Dimitrov is the favorite in this matchup, and we do not agree with that. Popyrin is having his biggest season this year, so we expect him to be fully confident coming into this matchup. Popyrin dominated in the first round, and we expect him to continue in that fashion.
That being said, Popyrin winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Alexei Popyrin winning @2.30 @bet365
Tiafoe – Safiullin: 08.10.2024 Time TBA
H2H: first meeting
Frances Tiafoe has lost three of his last five matches. His last competitive win before Shanghai was at the US Open, where he was stopped by Fritz in the semifinals as we predicted. Last week in Tokyo, Tiafoe lost his opening match against Nakashima in straight sets. Here in Shanghai, Tiafoe defeated Zhou in easy straight sets as we predicted. Last year in Shanghai, Tiafoe lost his opening match against Sonego in three sets. Frances is looking for a solid result this week, to cement his top 20 status.
Roman Safiullin has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Beijing, Safiullin reached the 1/8-Finals, where he pushed Sinner in the deciding set. Here in Shanghai, Roman had a favorable draw so far. In the first round, Roman defeated Zhukayev in straight sets. Today in the second round, Safiullin faced another Kazakh. Bublik also had no answer for Roman’s game, and lost the match in straight sets. Safiullin saved all three breakpoints, and was confident on the court.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Tiafoe is the big favorite in this matchup. Both players showed solid tennis so far in Shanghai. Safiullin loves to play on the fast courts such as this one. We believe that he will be dangerous once again on the court, and keep this match tight.
That being said, Safiullin winning at least one set is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Roman Safiullin +1.5 sets @1.60 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
