ATP Masters 1000 Madrid 1/64-Finals
Vukic – Nishikori: Time TBA
H2H: first meeting
Aleksandar Vukic has lost nine straight matches. Last week in Munich, Vukic failed to qualify for the main draw tournament, losing in the opening qualifying round. His last win was over two months ago in the Davis Cup. Last season in Madrid, Vukic lost in the opening round against Daniel.
Kei Nishikori has won three of his last five matches. His last match was in Houston three weeks ago, when he retired mid-match against Eubanks in the 1/8-Finals. Nishikori was a finalist two times in Madrid.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Nishikori is the favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He is a way better clay court player than Vukic and loves playing in Madrid. We expect him to be a better player and win easily.
That being said, Nishikori winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Kei Nishikori winning 2-0 @2.10 @bet365
Tien – Giron: Time TBA
H2H: first meeting
Learner Tien has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Munich, he lost in the 1/16 finals against Griekspoor in straight sets. As an American, Tien has never had any success on clay courts.
Marcos Giron has lost four of his last five matches. Last week in Munich, Giron lost in the opening round against Kecmanovic in three tight sets. He lost in the opening round against Purcell last season in Madrid.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Giron is the slight favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He is way more experienced than Tien, playing at the Masters 1000 level. Tien struggles to play on clay; we expect Giron to finish the job.
That being said, Giron winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Marcos Giron winning @1.67 @bet365
Sonego – Kecmanovic: Time TBA
H2H: 5-3
Lorenzo Sonego has lost four of his last five matches. His last match was in Monte Carlo, where he lost in three tight sets in the opening round against Martinez. Last season in Madrid, the Italian lost in the second round against Sinner in straight sets.
Miomir Kecmanovic has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Munich, He lost in three tight sets in the 1/8-Finals against Darderi. Last season in Madrid, the Serb lost against Ruud in the second round.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Kecmanovic is the slight favourite in this matchup, but we disagree. Both players are in bad form. However, Sonego is a better clay-court player than Kecmanovic. We expect this to be a tight match that could go either way.
That being said, Sonego covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Lorenzo Sonego +2.5 games handicap @1.80 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
