ATP 250 Belgrade 2 1/8-Finals
Etcheverry – Klein: 05.11.2024 14:00 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Tomas Martin Etcheverry has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Paris, Tomas lost in the second round against Dimitrov in three tight sets. Here in Belgrade, Tomas won his opening match against Kotov in straight sets. The Argentine was great under pressure, saving all four breakpoints. Etcheverry had his biggest results on the slow clay courts. However, he showed us this season that he can also play well on indoor courts such as this one. Last year around this time, Etcheverry played in Paris, where he reached the second round, losing against Djokovic in straight sets.
Lukas Klein has won four of his last five matches. Last week in Bratislava, Klein lost in the second round against Nishikori in three sets. Here in Belgrade, Klein successfully qualified for the main-draw tournament. In the main-draw opening match, Lukas defeated Duckworth in straight sets. Both players were inconsistent throughout the whole match, but Klein was the better player under pressure. Last year, around this time, Klein played at the challenger tour level, where he had a decent success under similar conditions such as this one.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Etcheverry is the slight favorite in this matchup, and we agree with that. Etcheverry is a top 40 player, who is more experienced than Klein, playing at the highest level. We believe that he will be a better player in this matchup, and that he will win this match comfortably.
That being said, Etcheverry winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Tomas Martin Etcheverry winning @1.62 @bet365
Cilic – Lehecka: 05.11.2024 16:30 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Marin Cilic has lost four of his last five matches. Since winning the title in Hangzhou as we predicted, Marin has played four tournaments, and lost his opening round match each time. Last week in Paris, Cilic lost his opening match against Fils in tight straight sets as we predicted. Here in Belgrade, Marin won his first round match against Muller in straight sets. After being 3-5 down in the first set, Cilic stepped up his level, and turned the match around.
Jiri Lehecka has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Paris, Lehecka lost his opening match against Draper in straight sets. Two weeks ago, Lehecka was just one win away from winning the second title of the season. However, he failed in the final of the ATP Antwerp against Bautista-Agut. Last year around this time, Lehecka played in Paris, where he lost his opening match against Bautista-Agut in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Cilic is the underdog in this matchup, and we can not agree with that. Marin loves to play on the fast indoor courts such as this one. The former US Open champion should be a better player in this match, so we expect him to at least keep this match tight.
That being said, Cilic covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Marin Cilic +2.5 games handicap @1.80 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
