ATP 500 Queen’s quarterfinals
Korda – Hijikata: 21.06.2024 Time TBA
H2H: first meeting
Sebastian Korda has won four of his last five matches. Last week, Korda reached the final in Hertogenbosch where he lost against de Minaur in straight sets. En route to the final, Korda won against some very good grass court players such as Tommy Paul and Tallon Griekspoor. Here in London, Korda won his first round match against Khachanov in two tight sets. After that, Korda won against Dimitrov in the second round in three tough sets. Last year in London, Sebastian reached the semifinals where he lost against Alcaraz in straight sets.
Rinky Hijikata has won four of his last five matches. Last week in Hertogenbosch, Hijikata lost his first round match against Popyrin in straight sets. Hijikata did not serve well, and just could not find his rhythm. Here in London, Hijikata fought through the qualifying tournament to get into the main draw. He won both of his qualifying matches in straight sets. In the first round, Hijikata played a great match against Tiafoe, hitting 34 winners in just two sets. Frances retired unfortunately at the beginning of the third set. Yesterday, Hijikata defeated Arnaldi in two tiebreaks.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Korda is a big favorite in this matchup, and we totally agree with that. Sebastian is overall a better and more experienced grass court player than Hijikata, so we believe that he will get the job done easily.
That being said, Korda winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Sebastian Korda winning 2-0 @1.67 @bet365
Thompson – Fritz: 21.06.2024 Time TBA
H2H: 0-2
Jordan Thompson has lost three of his last five matches. Now that the clay court part of the season is over, Jordan will get back to his winning runs. Last week in Hertogenbosch, Thompson lost against Milos Raonic in straight sets. Here in London, Jordan won the first round match against Rune in three sets. Thompson played great, and offered only one breakpoint. Yesterday, against Murray, Jordan led 4-1 with a double break in the first set before Murray retired. Andy unfortunately had struggles with his back, and could not continue the match. Last year in London, Thompson lost in the 1/8-Finals against Norrie.
Taylor Fritz has won four of his last five matches. This is his first grass court tournament of the season. Before that, Taylor lost against Ruud in the 1/8-Finals at the French Open. Here in London, Taylor absolutely dominated against Taro Daniel in the first round, winning in straight sets. After that, Fritz won comfortably against Raonic in straight sets. Last year in London, Fritz lost in the second round against Mannarino in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Thompson is the underdog in this matchup. Jordan is always a dangerous player on grass. He has played two solid matches so far here in London, and we believe that he will have his chances against Fritz.
That being said, Thompson winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Jordan Thompson winning @2.75 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK