Hardcourt Outdoor
As the 2024 tennis season winds up, the United Cup has again managed to bring about a sizzling encounter between two differently contrasted players in the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas and Kazakhs' Alexander Shevchenko. This highly hyped December 30 singles contest will undoubtedly draw attention, as Tsitsipas will aim to continue his status as the torchbearer of Greek tennis while Shevchenko attempts an upset.
With the festive season still in the air, we'd like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year filled with exciting matches, dramatic tie-breaks, and winning betting picks. Let's get down to what makes this matchup exciting and explore how both players are building up toward this crucial clash.
What’s your prediction for this match? Can Shevchenko pull off an upset, or will Tsitsipas cruise to victory? Let us know in the comments below!
Claim Welcome BonusStefanos Tsitsipas
Stefanos Tsitsipas - ATP No. 11 - has been at an inconsistent pace throughout, 4-3 through his past seven. Still, this past victory over the then-up-and-coming top-ranked American, Pablo Carreño Busta 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, showed flashes of his resilience, and in some parts power. There were 13 aces from Tsitsipas in that match, including six double faults, which still seem to raise a flagging red concern.
Tsitsipas thrives when ruling on a strong baseline game, especially using his one-handed backhand to maximum effect. Though his 60% first-serve rate in his last match was not the best, he still managed to convert three break points, indicating that he remains opportunistic at crucial junctures. The facility of dictating play will be very important against Shevchenko, who has much to prove.
Alexander Shevchenko
Ranked No. 78 in the ATP rankings, Alexander Shevchenko has had a tough run, going just 2-6 over his last eight matches. In his most recent matchup against Carreño Busta, he was emphatically defeated, 2-6, 1-6. He had a poor serving day and never looked like mounting a serious threat.
That didn't produce the most impressive Shevchenko numbers: a 57% first-serve percentage, only one of five break points converted and just 22% of first-serve return points won. Those numbers reflected a general trend in his performances against the very best. The 23-year-old, of course, is most known for fight and athleticism; he will look to utilizing his speed to frustrate Tsitsipas with a counter-punching game.
Expert Betting Tips
Tsitsipas is an overwhelming favorite coming into this match because his all-court game, big serve, and finishing with the point at the net give him various paths of victory. Still, though, he will not want to underestimate Shevchenko, who has a generally good level of movement and good willingness to extend the rally.
He would have to produce a near-flawless display to see Shevchenko go through. It will be cardinal that he improves his first-serve percentage and limits unforced errors. While his defensive style of play could frustrate opponents, it's unlikely to faze a player of Tsitsipas' caliber who thrives on dictating play.
- Bet on Tsitsipas to Win in Straight Sets: With the difference in ranking, experience, and form over the recent past, it will be wise to back Tsitsipas for a straight-sets win. His capability to dominate with his serve and baseline aggression should prove too much for Shevchenko. (Betway: 1.58 Odds)
- Total Games Under 21.5: This could be one of the quicker matches if Tsitsipas stamps his authority on proceedings early on. With Shevchenko having recently struggled against top-quality opponents, a low total games result feels likely here. (Bet365: 1.83 Odds)
- Bet on Tsitsipas to win the first set by 2.5+ Games Tsitsipas enjoys going in front and will, against such an opponent as Shevchenko, be keen to assert his dominance. Handicap bet on Tsitsipas to win in style the first set has appeal. (1xbet: 2.26 Odds)
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