ATP Masters 1000 Paris 1/32-Finals
Fils – Cilic: 28.10.2024 Time TBA
H2H: first meeting
Arthur Fils has won three of his last five matches. This week in Basel, Fils reached the semifinals, where he lost against Shelton in straight sets as we predicted. It was a solid tournament for Fils, who played well throughout the whole week. Arthur is a top 20 player, so he is hoping for a solid result this week to cement his top 20 status. Last year in Paris, Arthur lost his opening match against Altmaier in straight sets.
Marin Cilic has lost three of his last five matches. Since winning the title in Hangzhou as we predicted, Marin has played three tournaments, and lost his opening round match each time. The former US Open champion showed glimpses of his best form. However, he barely played in 2023, so he still needs time to get back to the best level of competitive tennis. His last appearance in Paris was in 2022, where he lost his opening match against Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Marin is the underdog in this matchup. Marin loves to play on the indoor courts, and is always dangerous under these conditions. Fils is a solid player, but we believe that this match could go either way. We expect Marin to keep this match tight.
That being said, Cilic covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Marin Cilic +3.5 games handicap @1.73 @bet365
Popyrin – Berrettini: 28.10.2024 Time TBA
H2H: 0-3
Alexei Popyrin has lost three of his last five matches. This week in Vienna, Alexei lost his opening match against Mensik in straight sets as we predicted. This has been the best season for the Australians. However, he is still inconsistent, and hard to predict. He won the biggest title of his career in Montreal earlier this season, which brought him closer to the top 20 in the rankings. Last year in Paris, Alexei lost his opening match against Jarry in straight sets.
Matteo Berrettini has won three of his last five matches. This week in Vienna, Matteo reached the quarterfinals, when he failed against Khachanov in straight sets. Considering his injuries, Berrettini did not play many matches this season, but has done a great job in almost every single tournament. His biggest results were on the clay courts. However, Matteo loves to play on the fast indoor courts such as this one as well. Last year, around this time, Berrettini was injured, and skipped the second part of the season.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Matteo is the slight favorite in this matchup, and we agree with that. Alexei is just too inconsistent, so we believe that Berrettini should have a decent chance against him in the opening round. Berrettini is 100% fit, and when he is at his best level, Berrettini is one of the best players in the world.
That being said, Berrettini winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Matteo Berrettini winning @1.53 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
