ATP 250 Delray Beach 1/16-Finals
Nishioka – Vukic: 11.02.2025 17:00 CEST
H2H: 2-2
Yoshihito Níshioka has won four of his last five matches. Last week in Dallas, under similar conditions, he reached the quarterfinals, retiring mid-match against Ruud due to a shoulder injury. Yohishito had solid wins against Nakashima and Tiafoe en route to the quarterfinals. It is his ninth appearance in Delray Beach. He was a runner-up in 2020. In three sets last season, Nishioka lost against Arnaldi in the opening round.
Aleksandar Vukic has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Dallas, Vukic lost in the opening round against Shelton in straight sets. Three weeks ago in Melbourne, Vukic reached the third round of the Australian Open, losing against Draper in five tight sets as we predicted. It is his third appearance in Delray Beach. He has never made it past the second round. Last season, Aleksandar lost in the opening round against Lestienne in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, this will be an almost 50-50 matchup, but we disagree. Nishioka retired just a few days ago with a shoulder injury, and we are not sure if he is fully fit for this matchup. On the other hand, Vukic is a solid indoor hardcourt player, and we expect him to be ready for this matchup.
That being said, Vukic winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Aleksandar Vukic winning @2.10 @bet365
Duckworth – Davidovich Fokina: 11.02.2025 19:00 CEST
H2H: 1-0
James Duckworth has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Dallas, Duckworth entered the main draw tournament as a lucky loser. In the opening main draw round, James lost against Ruud in three sets. So far this season, James has not had any remarkable results. It is his first appearance in Delray Beach. Around this time last year, Duckworth played in Acapulco, retiring in the opening round. This week, he hopes for a solid result to cement his top 100 status.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Dallas, Alejandro lost in the second round against Arnaldi in straight sets. At the Australian Open, as we predicted, the Spaniard lost in the 1/8-Finals against Paul in straight sets. Last season was a disappointing season for Davidovich Fokina. He had no remarkable results and underperformed on every surface. It is his first appearance in Delray Beach. Around this time last year, he played in Doha, losing in the opening round against Mensik in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Duckworth is the underdog, but we disagree. James thrives on indoor hard courts. He played solidly against Ruud last week in Dallas. On the other hand, Alejandro struggled last week in Dallas, winning only four games against Arnaldi in the second round. James will hold his service games easily. We expect a tight match that could go either way.
That being said, Duckworth covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: James Duckworth +3.5 games handicap @2.00 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
