Gael Monfils and Alexei Popyrin will clash in the Round of 64 at the Western & Southern Open on Wednesday, with Popyrin installed as the slight favorite at -130 odds. Both players come into the match with contrasting recent form, making for an intriguing encounter.
What? Gael Monfils vs Alexei Popyrin, ATP Cincinnati, USA Men’s Singles 2024
The enigmatic Frenchman, Gael Monfils, arrives in Cincinnati on the back of a disappointing early exit at the ATP Montreal. A 3-6, 3-6 defeat to Thanasi Kokkinakis highlighted Monfils’ struggles for consistency this season.
Known for his flamboyant style and powerful shots, Monfils has averaged 26.6 games per match over the past year. His serve has been relatively reliable, winning 79.7% of service games, but his return game has been a weakness, converting only 22.1% of break points. On hard courts, his numbers are similar, with a slightly improved service percentage of 80.4%.
Despite the inconsistent results, Monfils remains a dangerous opponent on his day. His ability to produce breathtaking shots can catch any player off guard. However, he will need to find a way to improve his consistency and return game if he wants to challenge Popyrin.
Popyrin Riding High After Montreal Triumph
Alexei Popyrin enters this match brimming with confidence after capturing the ATP Montreal title. His impressive 6-2, 6-4 victory over Andrey Rublev in the final showcased his growing maturity and ability to perform under pressure.
The Australian has been a consistent performer on hard courts, averaging 26.1 games per match and winning 51.8% of his service games. His serve has been a major weapon, winning 83.8% of service games on this surface. However, like Monfils, Popyrin will need to improve his return game if he wants to dominate matches.
Popyrin’s recent form and mental toughness give him the edge in this matchup. However, Monfils is capable of producing upsets and should not be underestimated.
Betting Outlook
With Popyrin coming off a title win and Monfils struggling for consistency, the oddsmakers have understandably made the Australian the favorite. However, tennis is a sport of surprises, and Monfils’ unpredictable nature could make for a competitive match.
For those looking for a riskier bet, backing Monfils to win a set could offer some value. Additionally, over/under game totals could be worth exploring, given both players’ tendency to produce lengthy rallies.
Ultimately, this match promises to be an entertaining encounter between two players with contrasting styles. While Popyrin is the favorite, Monfils has the ability to turn the match in his favor if he can find his best tennis.
I favor Popyrin at his odds of -130 with Bovada. The spread is set a little harsh for my liking.
Bovada is one of the best betting sites for wagering on tennis. You can read our Bovada.lv sportsook review for much more information about this betting.
Bovada offers set betting on tennis which provides much better value odds. I like the look of both 2-0 to Popyrin at odds of +175 and 2-1 to Popyrin at odds of +300.
The Cincinnati Open, also known as the Cincinnati Masters, is a prestigious annual tennis tournament held in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. Over the years, the event has had various names due to sponsorship deals, including the Thriftway ATP Championships, the Great American Insurance ATP Championships, the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters and Women’s Open, and most recently, the Western & Southern Open. Played on outdoor hard courts at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio, the tournament takes place each August. Established on September 18, 1899, it is the oldest tennis tournament in the U.S. that is still played in its original city. The Cincinnati Open is also the third largest tennis event in the U.S., following the US Open and the Indian Wells Masters. It is part of the ATP Masters 1000 series on the ATP Tour and the WTA 1000 series on the WTA Tour.
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Starting out in the betting industry, Henry later found his calling in sports writing. Specializing in soccer, golf, and darts, he also offers insights into a wide array of sports across the globe. After earning a BA Honors degree in Business and Management, Henry advanced through the ranks at William Hill in England. His career isn't just limited to sports; he's also made a mark in Property and Finance, fields in which he remains engaged. Henry now resides in Barcelona, where he enjoys playing golf year-round as part of the Real Federacion Espanola de Golf.