ATP 250 Almaty 1/8-Finals
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Khachanov – Virtanen: 17.10.2024 Time TBA
H2H: first meeting
Karen Khachanov has lost three of his last five matches. Two weeks ago in Shanghai, Khachanov lost his opening match against Giron in straight sets. Khachanov has been struggling with his form for the last couple of months. His last big result was in Doha, earlier this year, where he won the title, winning against Mensik in the final. With his recent poor performances, Khachanov is no longer a top 20 player. Last year around this time, Khachanov played in Vienna, where he reached the quarterfinals, losing against Medvedev in three tight sets.
Otto Virtanen has lost four of his last five matches. Two weeks ago in Shanghai, Otto failed to qualify for the main-draw tournament, losing against Watanuki in the first qualifying round. Here in Almaty, Virtanen defeated Fognini in the opening round in straight sets as we predicted. The Finn loves to play on the fast courts such as this one. Virtanen had his biggest results at the challenger tour level, where he won a couple of titles this season.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Khachanov is the favorite in this matchup. Otto is a heavy server, so we believe that he will be able to keep this match tight. Virtanen played solid tennis against Fognini, and we believe that he will have a decent chance against Khachanov, who is out of form.
That being said, Virtanen covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Otto Virtanen +2.5 games handicap @1.83 @bet365
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Tiafoe – Evans: 17.10.2024 Time TBA
H2H: 5-4
Frances Tiafoe has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Shanghai, Tiafoe lost his third round match against Safiullin in three tight sets as we predicted. Frances is looking for a solid result this week, to cement his top 20 status. So far this season, Tiafoe has had his biggest results on the fast hard courts such as this one. Last year around this time, Tiafoe played in Vienna, where he reached the quarterfinals, losing against Sinner in straight sets.
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. In the final qualifying round, Evans won against Bu in three tight sets. After that, in the opening main-draw round, Evans defeated Daniel in straight 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, Tiafoe is the favorite in this matchup, and we agree with that. We believe that Tiafoe is a way better player than Evans at that moment. Frances had a decent success this season on the fast courts. We believe that he will dominate from the very start, and win this match easily.
That being said, Tiafoe winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Frances Tiafoe winning 2-0 @2.00 @bet365
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Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
