ATP 250 Almaty 1/16-Finals
Daniel – Evans: 15.10.2024 11:00 CEST
H2H: 2-3
Taro Daniel has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Shanghai, Daniel lost against Jannik Sinner in straight sets as we predicted. Taro struggled throughout the whole season, which led to him being almost outside the top 100. This is the last chance for him to turn the season around, and cement his top 100 status. Last year around this time, Daniel spent most of the time playing at the challenger tour level, where he had some decent results.
Daniel Evans has won four of his last five matches. Two weeks ago in Shanghai, Evans lost his opening match against Seyboth Wild in three tight sets. Here in Almaty, Evans successfully qualified for the main-draw tournament. In the first qualifying round, Daniel defeated Omarkhanov in straight sets. Today, in the final qualifying round, Evans won against Bu in three tight sets. This has been the worst season for Daniel, who is now close to dropping outside the top 200. Around this time last year, Evans played in Stockholm, where he was stopped by Misolic in the opening round.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Evans is the slight favorite in this matchup. Both players are out of form. However, Evans´ season has been way worse than Taro’s. We believe that Taro will perform well tomorrow, and win comfortably.
That being said, Daniel winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Taro Daniel winning @2.30 @bet365
Zhang – Karatsev: 15.10.2024 12:30 CEST
H2H: 1-2
Zhizhen Zhang has lost three of his last five matches. After losing against Cilic in the final of the ATP 250 in Hangzhou, Zhang lost two consecutive opening round matches. Two weeks ago in Shanghai, Zhang lost his opening match in front of his own crowd against Bergs in straight sets. His runner-up finish in Hangzhou was the best result of his career on the main tour. The Chinese number 1 is looking for a solid result this week to cement his top 50 status. Last year around this time, Zhang played in Tokyo, where he was stopped by Karatsev in the 1/8-Finals.
Aslan Karatsev has won three of his last five matches. Two weeks ago in Shanghai, Karatsev failed to qualify for the main-draw tournament. Here in Almaty, Aslan successfully qualified for the main-draw tournament. In the first qualifying round, Aslan defeated Misolic in straight sets. After that, in the final qualifying round, Karatsev won against Moro Canas in straight sets. It was a favorable draw for the Russian, who got the job done easily. Last year, around this time, Karatsev played in Vienna, where he lost in the opening round against Gojo in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, this should be a 50-50 match. Karatsev is completely out of form. On the other hand, Zhang has already played in the final of the ATP Hangzhou, and played solid tennis. We believe that Zhizhen will dominate against Karatsev, and win this match easily.
That being said, Zhang winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Zhizhen Zhang winning @1.80 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
