Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 16, 2024 10:33 am GMT
As the ATP Shanghai Masters begins, fans are eager to see if David Goffin can bounce back from a recent slump against James Duckworth, who is struggling himself. This year’s tournament is crucial for both players as they seek much-needed wins.
Matchup Overview
David Goffin and James Duckworth will face off on October 2, 2024, at 06:30 CEST. This will mark their second meeting, with Duckworth currently leading 1-0 in their head-to-head encounters. Goffin has shown some improvement lately, winning three of his last five matches, but he still faces challenges after a recent exit in the third round at the US Open. Meanwhile, Duckworth, who has lost four of his last five matches, is looking for a win to solidify his ranking in the top 100.
David Goffin’s Recent Performance
- Goffin’s last match was a loss against Machac at the US Open.
- This season, he has not produced significant results, often competing at the challenger tour level.
- He took a break recently to focus on preparing for the Asian swing of the tour.
Despite not being at his peak, the bookmakers have made Goffin a slight favorite in the upcoming match. His experience could play a crucial role, but he will need to demonstrate consistency to overcome Duckworth.
James Duckworth’s Challenges
- Duckworth’s previous match was a close loss to Cobolli at the US Open.
- He hasn’t played any competitive matches since then and had not secured a victory in almost two months.
- His last win was against Giron in Montreal, where he won in straight sets.
Fast courts typically suit Duckworth’s style, which may give him the edge he needs against Goffin. The pressure is on to find form as he looks to improve his ranking while establishing a foothold in Shanghai.
Betting Insights
Due to both players’ current forms, a bet on Duckworth covering the games handicap seems wise. The value bet is James Duckworth +2.5 games handicap @2.00 @bet365. Speculation is growing around this matchup as Duckworth appears ready to capitalize on Goffin’s struggles.
Another Key Match: Kecmanovic vs. Hijikata
On the same day, Miomir Kecmanovic will face Rinky Hijikata at 06:30 CEST. Both players have had their challenges, with Kecmanovic losing three of his last five matches and failing to advance in recent tournaments. He is currently outside the top 50, and this match is vital for his journey back.
Kecmanovic’s Recent Struggles
- He lost his opening match against Griekspoor in Beijing last week.
- Kecmanovic had a decent start to the season but hasn’t achieved notable results since the Australian Open.
- He retired in his first match last year in Shanghai.
With pressure mounting, Kecmanovic needs a strong performance to regain confidence.
Hijikata’s Consistency
- Rinky Hijikata has won three of his last five matches but faced a setback in Tokyo, failing to qualify for the main draw.
- Prior to Tokyo, he reached the quarterfinals in Hangzhou.
- He performs well on fast hard courts and aims to break into the top 50.
The match seems to favor Kecmanovic according to bookies, yet Hijikata’s recent success against him could surprise many. A value bet for this match is Rinky Hijikata +2.5 games handicap @1.83 @bet365.
Conclusion
The ATP Shanghai Masters kickoff promises to be exciting, with key matches featuring both Goffin and Duckworth, as well as Kecmanovic and Hijikata. With critical implications for their rankings and future tournaments, every point matters. Fans will be watching closely as these players look to shift their fortunes.
As the tournament goes on, get ready for exciting matches that might shape the rest of the Asian swing. Stay tuned for updates and predictions to see what might happen next!
