ATP 500 Rio de Janeiro

Shevchenko – Meligeni Alves: 17.02.2025 20:30 CEST
H2H: first meeting

Alexander Shevchenko has lost four of his last five matches. So far this season, he has struggled with his form, which has resulted in him being outside the top 100. Last week in Delray Beach, Alexander lost against Mmoh in the opening round in straight sets. His last clay court match was in July 2024 at the Olympic Games, when he lost against Mensik in the opening round. Around this time last season, Shevchenko played in Doha, losing in straight sets against Gasquet in the opening round.

Felipe Meligeni Alves has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Buenos Aires, he failed to qualify for the main draw tournament, losing against Burruchaga in the final qualifying round. He has spent the last couple of weeks playing at the Challenger Tour level on clay courts. This is his sixth appearance in Rio de Janeiro. Last season, Felipe was stopped in the second round, losing against Monteiro in straight sets.

Best Bet to Make

According to the bookies, this will be an almost 50-50 matchup, but we disagree. Shevchenko did not succeed on clay courts last year and needs time to adapt to the surface. On the other hand, Felipe spent the last couple of weeks on clay courts and will be ready for this match. He will also have a crowd on his side.

That being said, Meligeni Alves winning is a value bet.

Value bet/ the best odds: Felipe Meligeni Alves winning @1.73 @bet365

Munar – Seyboth Wild: 18.02.2025 00:00 CEST
H2H: 4-1

Jaume Munar has won three of his last five matches. The last match he played was ten days ago in Dallas, where he lost against Ruud in the semifinals in three tight sets. Munar surprisingly played in Dallas and skipped Buenos Aires. His last clay court match was in September 2024 in Austria. He won the Challenger title, winning against Seyboth Wild in the final. It is his sixth appearance in Rio de Janeiro. Last season, Jaume lost against Seyboth Wild in the second round.

Thiago Seyboth Wild has lost three of his last five matches. He reached the quarterfinals last week in Buenos Aires, losing against Djere in tight straight sets. He spent the previous weeks preparing for the upcoming clay court tournaments. This is his sixth appearance in Rio de Janeiro. His biggest result here happened last year when he reached the quarterfinals. He eventually lost against Norrie in three tight sets.

Best Bet to Make

According to the bookies, Seyboth Wild is the slight underdog in this matchup, but we disagree. Thiago will have a packed crowd on his side. He will be more prepared for this match, having spent the last few weeks on clay courts. On the other hand, Munar played in his last tournament on indoor hard courts, which is a big difference. We expect Thiago to be a better player tonight.

That being said, Seyboth Wild winning is a value bet.

Value bet/ the best odds: Thiago Seyboth Wild winning @2.20 @bet365

Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports