Timofey Skatov vs Nuno Borges Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Bastad Open

Prediction published on 18/07/2024, 15:48  by Kennedy Kechula | Modified on 18/07/2024 at 15:52 in Tennis Predictions

Qualifier Timofey Skatov is through to the Bastad quarter-finals and will face seventh seed Nuno Borges on Friday. In the run up to the clash, here’s a look at the numbers and a prediction.

A semi-final showdown with Thiago Agustin Tirante or Roberto Carballes Baena awaits the winner of this game. Skatov is coming off a victory over third seed Tallon Griekspoor in the second round. Beating a top-seeded player should build up his confidence for this match.

To claim his 31st victory of the season and 28th on clay, Skatov had to dig deep after a first-set loss. He has now won four straight matches having started his second Bastad appearance once again in the qualifying rounds. Now placed 183rd in the live ranking, the 23-year-old will hope to advance to the semis for the first time at tour level. Skatov defeated Borges in their very first encounter on the clay surfaces of the Kyiv Challenger in 2021.

This is the third career match involving the two. Borges’ victory in this fixture also came on clay, in their most recent showdown two seasons ago in the Liberec Challenger. This is his favored surface and he is more experienced at tour level than Skatov.

Borges is making his Bastad debut and so far all has been good. He began with a straight-sets win over lucky loser Andrea Pellegrino. This would be followed by a three-set victory over compatriot Henrique Rocha. Just like Skatov against Griekspoor, Borges also had to mount a comeback to secure progress to this round.

The win over Rocha improved his record to 21-18 as well as bumping him up two places in the live rankings. He is now 49th, three places below his career-high world ranking.