ATP 250 Hong Kong semifinals
Muller – Munar: 04.01.2025 07:00 CEST
H2H: 1-3
Alexandre Muller has won three of his last five matches. In Hong Kong, Alexandre won his opening match against Huesler in three tight sets. After losing the first set 2-6, Muller stepped up his level and turned the match around. Muller played the longest match of this season in the second round against Kecmanovic. He won the match after spending almost four hours on the court. The Frenchman even saved two match points in the deciding tiebreak. Today, in the quarterfinals, Muller upset Fils in three sets. Alexandre spent a lot of time on the court this week.
Jaume Munar has won three of his last five matches. In Hong Kong, the Spaniard won his opening round match against Davidovich Fokina after losing the first set 4-6. Munar is a clay court specialist and rarely has any results on hard courts such as this one. In the second round, Munar defeated Borges in straight sets. Jaume lost his serve only once in the match. Other than that, the Spaniard served well throughout the match. Today in the quarterfinals, Munar upset Musetti in the quarterfinals.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, this should be an almost 50-50 match, but we disagree. Muller spent too much time on the court this week, so that he will be tired. On the other hand, Munar played great tennis this week, so we expect him to dominate this match.
That being said, Munar winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Jaume Munar winning @1.80 @bet365
Shang – Nishikori: 04.01.2025 08:30 CEST
H2H: 1-1
Juncheng Shang has won three of his last five matches. The young Chinese solidly started this season. In Hong Kong, Shang defeated Wong in the opening round in straight sets. After that in the second round, Juncheng had an easy job against Martinez. Today in the quarterfinals, Shang had the toughest challenge in the tournament. He lost the first set 1-6 against Marozsan. However, Juncheng stayed calm and turned the match around quickly.
Kei Nishikori has won eight straight matches. In his last tournament in 2024, Nishikori won the Challenger title in Helsinki, winning against Nardi in the final. Here in Hong Kong, Kei dominated the opening round match against Shapovalov, winning straight sets. Nishikori saved both breakpoints and played almost his best tennis. In the second round, Kei defeated Khachanov in three tight sets. After losing the first set 4-6, Nishikori stepped up his level and turned the match around. Today, in the quarterfinals, Kei defeated Norrie in three sets, as we predicted.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, this should be a 50-50 match. Nishikori faced tougher opponents en route to the semifinals than Shang. These conditions are perfect for his tennis. Shang is one of the most considerable talents, but we believe Nishikori´s experience will prevail in this match.
That being said, Nishikori winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Kei Nishikori winning @1.80 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
