ATP 250 Houston 1/8-Finals
Michelsen – Mannarino: 03.04.2025 Time TBA
H2H: 1-1
Alex Michelsen has lost three of his last five matches. This week in Houston, Michelsen won against Tien in straight sets. Michelsen never succeeded on clay courts. Last season in Houston, Michelsen lost in the opening round against Purcell.
Adrian Mannarino has won three of his last five matches. Mannarino failed to qualify this week in Houston for the main draw tournament. However, with several players withdrawing from the tournament, Mannarino entered the main draw as a lucky loser. In the opening main draw round, the Frenchman won against Hanfmann in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Mannarino is the big underdog in this matchup, but we disagree. He is way more experienced than Michelsen, and we expect him to put up a big fight. We expect a tight match that could go either way.
That being said, Mannarino covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Adrian Mannarino +4.5 games handicap @1.81 @bet365
McDonald – Nakashima: 03.04.2025 Time TBA
H2H: 4-1
Mackenzie McDonald has won three of his last five matches. In his opening clay court match of the season, he defeated Galan in three sets. He was calm in the deciding set and performed well under pressure. McDonald has struggled on clay his whole career.
Brandon Nakashima has won three of his last five matches. His last match was in Miami, where Dimitrov stopped him in the 1/8-Finals. His last clay court match was at the French Open, losing against Hurkacz in the second round. Last season, in his debut campaign, Nakashima lost in the quarterfinals.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Nakashima is the slight favorite in this matchup, and we agree. He is a solid clay-court player and performed well last year in Houston. On the other hand, before his opening-round win against Galan, McDonald was winless on clay for over two years. We expect Nakashima to win easily.
That being said, Nakashima winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Brandon Nakashima winning @1.62 @bet365
Nishikori – Eubanks: 03.04.2025 Time TBA
H2H: first meeting
Kei Nishikori has won four of his last five matches. His last match before ATP Houston was in Phoenix, where he lost in the semifinals against Fonseca in straight sets. This week in Houston, Nishikori won against Krueger in straight sets in the opening round.
Christopher Eubanks has lost three of his last five matches. Eubanks defeated Hijikata in three tight sets this week in Houston after spending two hours on the court. He served great in the deciding set and deservedly won.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Nishikori is the favorite in this matchup, and we agree. He was dominant in the opening round against Krueger, and we expect him to continue in that fashion. So far in his career, Eubanks has only had a few clay court wins.
That being said, Nishikori winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Kei Nishikori winning 2-0 @2.00 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
