With just a few weeks until the 2024 US Open, it's an exciting time for tennis fans and bettors. This week, the world's top players will compete at the Cincinnati Open, a 1000-level event for both men and women. Last year, this tournament featured a captivating final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. Unfortunately, we won't see Djokovic at this year's event. However, with a full field of both the ATP and WTA, this will be a great tennis week. As always, we'll bring you the best tennis bets and predictions every day. That will continue with the action on Friday, August 16. Keep reading for my favorite picks of the day. Also, click the link below to go to my Pro Picks page, where I post my picks for some of the smaller tournaments and challenger-level events.
MORE DETAILS: Check out our Pro Picks page to see everything our experts are betting on.
2024 Record: 646-635 (+39.15 units)
Jiri Lehecka vs. Francis Tiafoe
Lehetka is fresh off a big win over Daniil Medvedev, but this was a real loss for the Russian. Medvedev hasn't been in good form lately, and Lehetka took advantage of that. But Lehetka has just returned from a long injury break and has only played two matches in the last three months. The Czech opened the tournament against Nuno Borges, but had a pretty sloppy match. With that in mind, I think Tiafoe will continue his good form and take the win here again.
Tiafoe has quietly turned things around in the 2024 season, winning eight of his last 12 matches. He also defeated Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets, who was the best this year after Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic. Tiafoe's strong serve, net presence and overall versatility from the baseline make him a tough player to beat on fast hard courts. Tiafoe also contributes greatly to the excitement of the crowds at the US tournaments during the hard court season.
I don't expect Lehecka to be able to return Tiafoe's serve here and I think the American has a significant advantage from the baseline. I would no doubt feel differently if Lehecka was a little more healed from his injury, but I think Tiafoe should be able to beat him.
Bet: Tiafoe ML (-125 – 2 units)
Marta Kostyuk vs. Iga Swiatek
Swiatek was able to pull off a win against Varbara Graczewa on Wednesday, but her play wasn't all that great. After winning the first set 6-0, Swiatek lost a 5-2 lead in the second set and lost to Graczewa in the tiebreaker. Swiatek bounced back to win the third set 6-2, but again against a weaker opponent. Swiatek will next face Kostyuk, who is 29-15 in 2024 and has won nine of their last 12 matches. This will be a big step up competitively for Swiatek, who hasn't been playing great tennis on fast courts lately.
I don't know if Kostyuk will win this match set by set, but I would be surprised if she doesn't win at least seven games. When these two met in Indian Wells earlier this year, Swiatek won 6-2, 6-1, but that's not a typical hard court tournament. The conditions in Indian Wells are very slow, so it's more like Swiatek's preferred clay court. Cincinnati is one of the fastest tournaments of the year, and that's very important considering this matchup. Kostyuk is a hard hitter from the baseline, she can hit shots from both sides, and she can really rush her opponent. This is huge, because Swiatek absolutely hates being rushed.
Overall, Swiatek should find a way to win this match, but she's unlikely to push Kostyuk off the court. The Ukrainian has the ability to make Swiatek uneasy.
Betting: Kostyuk to win over 6.5 games (+100)
Added Plays
I usually have many more plays listed on my Pro Picks page. These plays count towards my record and have been a big part of my success this season, so be sure to check it out. I'll probably add a few more, so refresh that page throughout the day if you're looking for some action. I also list picks for Challenger level plays and lower level ATP and WTA events.
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