ATP 500 Dubai 1/8-Finals
Berrettini – O’Connell: 26.02.2025 15:30 CEST
H2H: 1-0
Matteo Berrettini has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Doha, Matteo reached the quarterfinals, losing against Draper in three tight sets, as we predicted. En route to the quarterfinals, as we predicted, Matteo upset Djokovic in straight sets. It is his second appearance in Dubai. Yesterday, in the opening round, Matteo won against Monfils in tight straight sets. Matteo offered no breakpoints in the second set and deservedly won in straight sets. In his debut campaign, 2021, Matteo lost against Kudla in the opening round.
Christopher O’Connell has won four of his last five matches. Last week in Doha, Christopher lost against Draper in the second round in straight sets. This week in Dubai, the Australian successfully qualified for the main draw tournament, winning both qualifying matches in straight sets. In the opening main draw round, Dimitrov retired mid-match against Cristopher after losing the opening set 0-6.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Matteo is the favorite in this matchup, and we agree. He played well last week in Doha and continued his form in Dubai. Christopher, on the other hand, has not had any remarkable results this season. We expect Berrettini to dominate in this match and win easily.
That being said, Berrettini winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Matteo Berrettini winning 2-0 @1.83 @bet365
Medvedev – Mpetshi Perricard: 26.02.2025 15:30 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Daniil Medvedev has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Doha, Daniil retired against Felix in the quarterfinals after losing the opening set 3-6. Medvedev said in a statement that he had food poisoning and could not continue playing. The Russian has been playing poorly for the last couple of months. He played well last week, and if he can sustain that level this week in Dubai. It is his fifth appearance in Dubai. Yesterday, in the opening round, Daniil won against Struff in three tight sets, as we had predicted. In 2023, Daniil won the title against Rublev in straight sets. Last season, Daniil reached the semifinals, losing against Humbert in straight sets.
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard has won three of his last five matches. This week in Dubai, he won the straight-set opening match against Zhang. It was an outstanding serving performance from Giovanni, who offered and saved two breakpoints. The Frenchman had a breakthrough in the 2024 season and hopes to continue playing well this season.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Medvedev is the favorite in this matchup, but we disagree. Giovanni has already had success against the top 20 players. He plays well under pressure and thrives on hard courts. On the other hand, Medvedev has been struggling with his form for the last couple of months. We expect a tight match that could go either way.
That being said, Giovanni covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard +2.5 games handicap @2.00 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
