ATP 250 Antwerp final
Bautista-Agut – Lehecka: 20.10.2024
H2H: 3-1
Roberto Bautista-Agut has won four of his last five matches. Two weeks ago in Shanghai, Roberto lost his opening match against Carballes Baena in three tight sets. Roberto looked exhausted after the first set, and just could not do anything against the Spaniard. Agut is outside the top 50, and his recent performances have been poor. Here in Antwerp, Roberto defeated van Assche in the opening round in straight sets. It was maybe his best match of the season. Roberto lost only three games, and served well throughout the whole match. After that, in the 1/8-Finals, Agut defeated Etcheverry in straight sets as well. Roberto was 4-1 up in the first set, but could not close out the set. However, Roberto showed his experience in the tiebreak, and closed out the set. In the second set, Agut broke Etcheverry´s serve once, which was enough to win the match in comfortable straight sets. In the quarterfinals, Roberto upset Auger-Aliassime in three sets. The Spaniard won the most important points of the match, and deservedly won. Today, in the semifinals, Agut defeated Gaston in straight sets. Roberto served well, not offering any breakpoints. Roberto was trophyless last year, and this season so far as well. However, this will be a big chance for him to win his first trophy since 2022. Last year around this time, Agut played in Stockholm, where he was stopped by Ymer in the opening round.
Jiri Lehecka has won four of his last five matches. Two weeks ago in Shanghai, Jiri reached the third round, where he lost against Rune in straight sets. Here in Antwerp, Lehecka won his opening match against Munar in straight sets as we predicted. Jiri was great under pressure, saving both breakpoints. In the 1/8-Finals, Lehecka won once again in straight sets. Altmaier had no answer for Jiri´s game, and could not break his serve. Lehecka saved once again all breakpoints in the match. In the quarterfinals, Jiri upset Tsitsipas in straight sets. This time, the Czech did not offer any breakpoints, and served outstanding from the very start. Stefanos played poorly, and made too many unforced errors. Yesterday in the semifinals, Lehecka had his toughest challenge. He defeated Giron in three tight sets. After losing the second set 4-6, Lehecka dominated in the deciding set. Jiri played aggressively from the very start, and ended the match hitting 33 winners with 34 unforced errors. Earlier this season, Lehecka won his maiden title in Adelaide, winning against Draper in the final. This will be his chance to lift the second trophy of his career.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Lehecka is the favorite in this matchup, and we agree with that. Jiri has been outstanding this week, so we believe that he will be fully confident coming into this matchup. Jiri has a better game and playing style for this surface, so we expect him to dominate against the Spaniard.
That being said, Lehecka winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Jiri Lehecka winning 2-0 @2.00 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Albert Cesare-USA TODAY Sports
