US Open, 1st round, Tuesday, 27.08.2024, 19:30
Jannik Sinner is making headlines ahead of the US Open, and not just in sporting terms with his triumph at the 1000 in Cincinnati. In spring, the South Tyrolean tested positive twice for the banned anabolic steroid Clostebol. However, this only came to light in the last few days.
The case has now been dealt with by the relevant tennis authority, Itia, and the world number one has been cleared. In sporting terms, the focus is now on the first round match against Mackenzie McDonald.
McDonald reached his career high last year, but has since fallen out of the top 100 again. Anything other than a quick 3-0 win would be a surprise, or will the doping issue throw Sinner off track? I dare to doubt that. The South Tyrolean is known for putting emotions aside on the court. I’m targeting a win in a hurry with the Bet365 betting configurator
The doping issue surrounding Sinner unsurprisingly made waves. How did the case come to light so late? Experts, players and fans are calling for more transparency from the parties involved in the future. But what actually happened?
According to statements from the Sinner camp, the banned substance must have entered his body via a massage by his physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi. Naldi had previously treated his own finger wound with a spray containing Clostebol.
The world number one has since parted company with his physio and also with his athletics trainer Umberto Ferrara. In the tennis world, Sinner has been acquitted and WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) will “carefully review” the decision
Therefore and due to the late publication of the case, the topic still leaves a bland aftertaste. Of course you want to get sporting information here and are possibly still looking for the perfect odds for the match?
Nevertheless, the background needs to be explained, especially as side events off the court can also have a mental impact on sporting performance. Although his opponents are there to support him, it doesn’t leave a serene Sinner unaffected.
However, there is no room for emotions on the court for the cool Italian. Of all the world stars, he is mentally the strongest player. In my eyes, of all the skills he brings to the table, it’s the one that makes the biggest difference.
Sinner (1.01) starts his first round match as the heavy favorite. Bet365 even offers odds of just 1.008!
In other sports betting apps, I have spotted at least 1.02 or 1.03. Bigger fluctuations can be found at McDonald, with everything between 14.0 and 23.0.
My last bet on a Sinner match was a complete success. I bet on the German to win the set against Alexander Zverev. He took the second set, but couldn’t stop Sinner on his way to his next title this year.
In the final, he prevailed in two sets against Frances Tiafoe, his 29th hard court win in 31 matches, what a record.
He now wants to complete the 30 against McDonald. It would also be his 50th match win in 2024. They have already faced each other three times. True to the motto “every year again”, they have played one match each since 2021.
Sinner won all three matches, the 2021 Washington final, the third-round match at the French Open and the 2023 Masters in Paris
Has McDonald managed at least one tiebreak or set win so far? So am I on the wrong track with my bet? I don’t think so, given the explosion in the northern Italian’s performance. The 23-year-old took a big step in the winter of 2023/24.
And McDonald? Things have gone downhill since the last duel. Nine wins from 26 matches, only 140th place in the important tennis table. He has dropped more than 100 places from his previous year’s high.
While Sinner fought his way into the final rounds or to the title at the major tournaments, McDonald was lucky to even make it into the first round.
At the Masters in Cincinnati, he lost to compatriot Alex Michelsen in the qualifying round. Only in Atlanta did the American reach a second round in his second hard court season.
The 29-year-old from California has deficits in his service game in particular, scoring far fewer free points than Sinner. Apart from the Bet365 combination, I only find the sub-match bets from Intertops interesting:
My Sinner McDonald tip
The doping issue surrounding Sinner has caused quite a stir, but the world number one was acquitted and in New York he appears just as calm as usual. On court, he manages to lower his visor and focus on the sport.
I expect him to get a few breaks against McDonald. The Californian always has problems getting through his service games and has had a difficult year.
Two of the three matches were close affairs, but the performance gap has widened towards 2024.
Therefore, my Sinner McDonald tip is: Sinner wins 3:0 & no tiebreak
