Fritz – Shang: 27.06.2024 Time TBA
H2H: first meeting
Taylor Fritz has won three of his last five matches. Last week, Fritz reached the quarterfinals in London where he lost against Jordan Thompson in straight sets as we predicted. Here in Eastbourne, Taylor defeated Seyboth Wild in the first round. Fritz served well, not offering any breakpoints. Last year in Eastbourne, Fritz lost in the first round against McDonald. Fritz had his best year on grass in 2022 when he lifted the trophy in Eastbourne. Right after that, Fritz reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon where he lost against Rafael Nadal in five tough sets, after he was 2-1 up.
Juncheng Shang has won four of his last five matches. Two weeks ago, Shang reached the quarterfinals at the challenger tournament in Nottingham. Here in Eastbourne, Shang fought through the qualifying tournament. In the first qualifying round, Shang defeated Otte in three sets, while hitting 33 winners with just 16 unforced errors. After that, Shang won against Hussey in the final qualifying round. In the first round, Shang defeated Etcheverry as we predicted. In the second round, Shang upset Ruusuvuori in three tight sets.
According to the bookies, Fritz is the big favorite in this matchup. However, we believe that Shang is a very solid grass court player. We believe that he will keep this match tight. Taylor did not look great in his first round performance against Seyboth Wild.
That being said, Shang covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Juncheng Shang +4.5 games handicap @1.61 @bet365
Purcell – Kecmanovic: 27.06.2024 Time TBA
H2H: 0-1
Max Purcell has won four of his last five matches. Last week in Halle, Max lost in the first round against Alexander Bublik. Max had a great qualification tournament in Halle, but could not win in the main draw. Here in Eastbourne, Purcell fought through the qualifying tournament by winning both matches in straight sets. In the first main draw round, Maxx defeated Djere in three tight sets. Today, Purcell won against Lorenzo Sonego in straight sets, and showed us yet again how dangerous he is on grass. Max lost his serve only once in the match, which was in the first set. However, he was great on return, and won the match easily in the end.
Miomir Kecmanovic has lost three of his last five matches. The young Serbian is completely out of form, and is now outside the top 50 in the rankings. Last week, Kecmanovic lost against Sonego in the first round of the ATP Halle. Here in Eastbourne, Miomir won his first round match against Zhang confidently in straight sets. Today, Kecmanovic dominated against Baez in straight sets as we predicted. Last year in Eastbourne, Kecmanovic lost in the quarterfinals against Barrere.
According to the bookies, Kecmanovic is just a slight favorite in this matchup. Miomir played his best tennis here in Eastbourne, and is looking like his best self at the moment. Purcell had already played four matches here in Eastbourne, but he did not show much.
That being said, Kecmanovic winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Miomir Kecmanovic winning @1.62 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
