It promises to be an intriguing final in the ATP 250 Antwerp between the Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut and the rising star Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic as their very different styles pit against each other. Currently ranked 60th in the rankings, Bautista Agut has buckets of experience and incredible consistency. He has been in resurgence of late, which includes a strong 8-2 mark in his last 10 matches. On the contrary, No. 33 Lehecka is the powerhouse junior who wants to nail his first ATP 250 title. This will be their fifth face-off as Bautista Agut leads their head-to-head, 3-1, but Lehecka won their last encounter in a three-set thriller at the ATP 500 in Beijing last month, making this final a high-stakes rematch.
Claim Welcome BonusRoberto Agut Bautista
Bautista Agut reaches the final after a convincing 2-0 win against Hugo Gaston, displaying all his characteristic precision and toughness. Not known for his big serve, Bautista Agut won 76% of his first-service points and converted two important break points. Much of his success in recent times has come from winning extended rallies and outmaneuvering opponents with tactical placement.
The key to victory for Bautista Agut will be neutralizing the power of Lehecka. The idea is to absorb Lehecka's heavy groundstrokes and return deep and precise to take the Czech out of rhythm. The excellent second-serve return, 50% in the last match, will be in place again, plus the patience in building up the points and waiting for Lehecka's errors.
Jiri Lehecka
Meanwhile, Lehecka had to go the full length in the semifinal match against Marcos Giron, emerging victor 3-6, 6-4, 6-2. The Czech's forceful game ruffled Giron in the latter stages of the match as he rounded up the victory with 7 aces. Lehecka also comes into the final as an aggressive player on indoor hard courts like Antwerp's, combining that with a solid first serve: 68% on first serve in and 71% won on the first serve.
Lehecka will look to bull the game along with his aggressive baseline play, as his big serve and willingness to go for winners early in rallies will make him a real force indoors. The Czech will be looking to keep the points short as he relies on the power to overpower Bautista Agut. Key to Lehecka's success will be making the most of Bautista Agut's second serve stepping inside the baseline to take charge early in the rallies.
Expert Betting Tips
This final promises to be a clash of styles, pitting the baseline consistency and counter-punching of Bautista Agut against the firepower of Lehecka. The experience of Bautista Agut would seem to give him the edge in longer rallies, but the Czech's ability to shorten the points could prove to be the critical factor with his aggressive groundstrokes.
Lehecka has been coming into good form lately, including that Beijing victory over Bautista Agut. He must boast the confidence to outlast the Spaniard again. However, Bautista Agut's consistency and tactical game have to be respected, particularly as an indoor surface may offer ideal conditions for his flat, accurate groundstrokes.
- Over 22.5 Games @ 1.801 Odds
- Roberto Agut Bautista (+1.5) Sets Handicap @ 1.6 Odds
- Total 3 Sets @ 2.10 Odds
Other predictions
