ATP 500 Doha 1/8-Finals
Van de Zandschulp – de Minaur: 19.02.2025 12:30 CEST
H2H: 0-2
Botic Van de Zandschulp has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Marseille, Botic lost in the opening round against Sonego in three tight sets, as we predicted. Botic easily qualified for the main draw tournament this week in Doha, winning both matches in straight sets. Today, in the opening round, he won against Shelbayh again in straight sets. He was a better player throughout the match and deservedly won in straight sets.
Alex de Minaur has won four of his last five matches. The last match he played before the ATP Doha was two weeks ago in Rotterdam. He finished as a runner-up, losing against Alcaraz in the final. Today in Doha, Alex won the opening round against Safiullin in straight sets, as we had predicted. Alex reached the quarterfinals at the beginning of the season, losing against Sinner in straight sets, as we predicted. Around this time last year, Alex played in Los Cabos, losing in the opening match against Michelsen in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, de Minaur is the big favorite in this matchup, and we agree. Botic has been struggling with his form for the last couple of weeks. On the other hand, de Minaur has been one of the most consistent players this season so far. We expect him to prolong his winning streak and win against Botic easily.
That being said, de Minaur covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Alex de Minaur -5.5 games handicap @-110 @FanDuel
Rublev – Borges: 19.02.2025 14:00 CEST
H2H: 1-0
Andrey Rublev has won three of his last five matches. The last match he played before the ATP Doha was in Rotterdam two weeks ago. He was stopped in the quarterfinal, losing against Hurkacz in three tight sets. Today, in the opening round, Andrey won against Bublik in straight sets, as we predicted. So far this season, Andrey has not had any remarkable results. It is his seventh appearance in Doha. He won the title in 2020, winning against Moutet in the final. Last season, Andrey was stopped in the quarterfinal, losing against Mensik in straight sets. He hopes for a solid result this week to stay in the top 10.
Nuno Borges has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Marseille, Nuno lost in the second round against Bergs in three tight sets. Today, in the ATP 500 Doha opening round, Borges won against Virtanen in straight sets. He trailed 1-4 in the opening set but successfully turned it around. In the second set, Nuno broke Virtanen’s serve at the beginning of the set and easily closed out the match.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Rublev is the favorite in this matchup, and we agree. Andrey is a better hard-court player than Borges. He dominated in the opening match against Bublik. Last season in Basel, Rublev demolished Borges in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, under similar conditions. We expect a similar outcome tomorrow as well.
That being said, Rublev winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Andrey Rublev winning 2-0 @2.00 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
