Duckworth – Lajal: 27.06.2024 Time TBA
H2H: first meeting
James Duckworth has won four of the last five matches. Last week in Halle, Duckworth reached the 1/8-Finals where he lost against Hubert Hurkacz in two tight sets as we predicted. Just a week before that, Duckworth reached the quarterfinals in Stuttgart where he was defeated by Berrettini in two tight sets. Here at Wimbledon, Duckworth won his first qualifying match after he was set down against Hassan. In the second round, Duckworth defeated Moreno de Alboran in two tight sets as we predicted. Last year at Wimbledon, James was stopped in the second qualifying round where he lost against Mayot in straight sets.
Mark Lajal has won three of his last five matches. Two weeks ago, Lajal played the challenger tournament in Nottingham where he lost in the final qualifying round. Here at Wimbledon so far, Lajal showed solid and confident tennis. In the first qualifying round, Lajal defeated Passaro in three tight sets. Today, Mark was yet again strong on his serve, and won the match in straight sets against Rocha. Lajal had an easy draw so far in the qualifying tournament. This match will be his biggest challenge so far.
According to the bookies, Duckworth is the favorite in this matchup. This is a big match for both players, so experience will matter a lot. James is a way more experienced player than Lajal, especially on grass. Duckworth even played in the main draw of Wimbledon a couple of times.
That being said, Duckworth covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: James Duckworth -3.5 games handicap @1.83 @bet365
Gaston – Kukushkin: 27.06.2024 Time TBA
H2H: first meeting
Hugo Gaston has won four of his last five matches. Last week in Ilkley, Gaston lost in the first round against Barrios Vera. Here at Wimbledon, Gaston won in the first qualifying round against Mochizuki in straight sets. In the second qualifying round today, Gaston defeated Prizmic as we predicted. Gaston is a solid clay court player, but he never had any remarkable results on grass courts. Last year at Wimbledon, Gaston lost in the second qualifying round against Billy Harris.
Mikhail Kukushkin has won three of his last five matches. Last week, Mikhail played at the challenger tournament in Ilkley where he lost in the first round against Broom. Here at Wimbledon, Kukushkin won his first qualifying match against Sachko in two easy sets. Today, Mikhail upset Benjamin Bonzi in straight sets yet again. The veteran served brilliantly today, not offering any breakpoints.
According to the bookies, Gaston is the underdog in this matchup. Looking at their current form, we can strongly say that Hugo is in a way better form than Kukushkin. Mikhail is 36 years old, and we are not sure if he will be fit enough for the possible five-setter.
That being said, Gaston covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Hugo Gaston +2.5 games handicap @1.83 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
