talkSPORT betting tips – Best tennis bets and expert advice Thursday at the Miami Open
The Miami Open is reaching the business end with Thursday’s action featuring the final two men’s quarter-finals, as well as semi-final action from the women’s draw.
Carlos Alcaraz, bidding to claim the elusive Sunshine Double by adding the Miami Open title to the Indian Wells crown he successfully retained last time out, is the headline act and he takes on Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov.
The other men’s quarter-final sees fourth seed Alexander Zverev do battle with up-and-coming Hungarian talent Fabian Marozsan, while the women’s last-four encounter pits world number four Elena Rybakina against seasoned Belarusian Victoria Azarenka.
Miami Open Tennis Tips
- Carlos Alcaraz to win 2-0 v Grigor Dimitrov @ 4/6
- Fabian Marozsan +3.5 games on the handicap v Alexander Zverev @ 20/23
- Elena Rybakina to win 2-1 v Victoria Azarenka @ 11/4
Treble pays 21/2
Get £40 in free bets with talkSPORT BET
Alcaraz showing few signs of weakness
Having reigned supreme at Indian Wells 10 days ago, Alcaraz will have high hopes of becoming only the eighth male player to clinch the Sunshine Double and the first since Roger Federer in 2017 by taking the title in Miami.
There is still plenty of work to be done but the signs are already looking pretty ominous for his title rivals and he should secure a semi-final spot with the minimum of fuss against Dimitrov.
The Bulgarian has made a strong start to the season, with his resurgent run helping him climb back up to 12th in the world rankings, but Alcaraz appears pretty focused on the challenge in hand.
The Spaniard is on a 10-match winning streak and the only set he has dropped in the last eight matches he has contested came against Australian Open champion Sinner, in the semi-final at Indian Wells.
Alcaraz has won three of his four previous meetings with Dimitrov in straight sets and he looks set to pile more misery on the Bulgarian in Miami.
Improving Marozsan may make Zverev toil
Marozsan may currently find himself as the world number 57 but there is scope for significant improvement and quarter-final opponent Zverev should not be expecting an easy ride.
The 24-year-old Hungarian highlighted his potential with a run to the fourth round at Indian Wells, where he bumped into eventual champion Alcaraz, and that means he has lost only one of his last eight matches.
In Miami, Marozsan bulldozed his way past sixth seed Holger Rune 6-1 6-1 and upset ninth seed Alex De Minaur in three sets, showing his eye for a notable scalp.
So, with that in mind, there are reasons to think Marozsan can keep close tabs on Zverev, who has dropped sets in 12 of his 21 matches this year.
Rybakina set to showcase her talents
Rybakina’s decision to skip competition in Indian Wells appears to be paying off and the classy Kazakh can celebrate with a place in the Miami final.
The 24-year-old is a big-game player, highlighted by her Wimbledon triumph in 2022, and she has shown a great will to win.
Rybakina has dropped sets in three of her four Miami Open assignments yet come through the other side, outlasting Clara Tauson, Taylor Townsend and Maria Sakkari.
Another tricky test awaits against Azarenka and although Rybakina may need a third and final set to progress once more, she has won all three previous encounters between the pair.
Get £40 in free bets with talkSPORT BET
Odds correct at time of writing
Terms and conditions: 18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile, bet £20+ at odds 2.00+, in 7 days. No cash out. Get 4x £10 Free Bets on selected markets. 7 day bonuses expiry. Click for T&Cs. BeGambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org