Tennis best bets and predictions for ATP Toronto and WTA Montreal - Friday, August 11th
The US Open is just about a month away, which means tennis season is really heating up. There will be a lot of big tournaments over the next couple of weeks, so VSiN is here to provide you with tennis best bets as often as possible. With that in mind, keep reading to get my picks for Friday, August 11th. This week, the focus is on the National Bank Open in Toronto and Omnium National Bank in Montreal — two 1000-level events. I'll look to make picks on both the men and the women, and I'll probably be adding more to these columns each day. So, make sure you refresh for more picks — or click the link below for the Pro Picks page.
RELATED: Check out our Pro Picks page for more bets from our VSiN analysts
Belinda Bencic vs. Petra Kvitova
These two are very evenly matched and have both enjoyed success at this tournament in the past. But what it comes down to for me is that Bencic has played more hard-court matches than Kvitova since Wimbledon. Bencic is 4-1 in the five matches she has played since leaving London, with her only loss coming to a red-hot Coco Gauff. Meanwhile, Kvitova has only played one match since the grass-court season, and she looked a little sloppy in that one. Kvitova earned a three-set win over Camila Giorgi, and she was all over the place with her ball striking. If she doesn't clean that up, Bencic should make quick work of her. But the real story here is that Kvitova hasn't had much time to get comfortable on hard courts. It's also worth noting that the sharp money appears to be on Bencic, and I generally like to side with the sharps.
Bet: Bencic ML (-130 - 2 units)
Coco Gauff vs. Jessica Pegula
I might be a little crazy for fading Gauff as often as I have, but I guess the reality is that I don't quite believe in the hot hand as much as others. Gauff has been playing way over her head for the last two weeks, and she now finds herself as a significant favorite over a player that I believe is significantly better than her. Perhaps Gauff will carry the momentum into this one and find a way to power through her doubles partner, but I simply can't stop myself from making a big play on Pegula here. Pegula won 6-4, 6-4 when the two met on hard courts last year, and that was the only WTA-level match they have played on this surface. I expect it to be a battle throughout, but at some point I'm looking for Gauff's forehand to come crashing back to earth. I don't think a coaching change can make this big of a difference this fast.
Bet: Pegula ML (+130 - 2 units)
Daria Kasatkina vs. Elena Rybakina
This is less of a play on Kasatkina and more of a fade on Rybakina, who looked like she was dealing with a shoulder injury against Sloane Stephens last match. Rybakina was able to emerge from that one with a victory, which isn't that surprising considering Stephens occasionally beats herself with unforced errors. But Kasatkina is not a player you want to play with an injury, as she can really take advantage of any weaknesses she sees out there. I'm not sure Kasatkina wins this match outright, but I do like her to at least take one set .
Bet: Kasatkina +1.5 Sets (-160 - 2 units)
ADDED PLAYS:
Mackenzie McDonald ML (+125 - 2 units) vs. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Liudmila Samsonova ML (-175) vs. Belinda Bencic
Gael Monfils +1.5 Sets (+100 - 2 units) vs. Jannik Sinner
Gael Monfils ML (+320 - 0.5 units) vs. Jannik Sinner
QUICK NOTE: If you listened to my advice and played Iga Swiatek and Daniil Medvedev to win their quarters, you're in a prime position to hedge. I'm personally letting both plays ride, as I really think both players should win their matches. But it isn't the worst idea in the world to guarantee yourselves some profits. Swiatek is taking on Danielle Collins and is a massive favorite in the match. Medvedev is a smaller favorite against Alex De Minaur.
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