A place in the fourth round of the US Open is at stake, when home hope Frances Tiafoe takes on Valentin Vacherot at Flushing Meadows.
Vacherot has been making positive strides over the last nearly two years and he is competing in the main draw of the US Open for the first time.
As for Tiafoe, he knows all about his home Grand Slam, having reached the semifinals in 2022 and 2024 and made it to the quarterfinals in 2023.
Valentin Vacherot vs. Frances Tiafoe betting picks and predictions
Frances Tiafoe to win and over 39.5 games (+163)
Although 28-year-old Tiafoe is just one year older than Vacherot, the American has the greater experience at this level and that could prove crucial in this highly anticipated encounter.
Tiafoe won his fourth ATP Tour title in June this year at the Halle Open, beating compatriot Taylor Fritz in straight sets in the final, and he almost landed trophy number five on the eve of the US Open.
The world number 12 reached the final of the Cincinnati Open, where he lost to Frenchman Arthur Fils, but there were plenty of positives to take from that tournament into his home slam.
Tiafoe required five sets to beat Martin Damm Jr. in his opening match before then dispatching Rei Sakamoto in straight sets to reach round three.
The win over Damm Jr. produced 48 games while his victory against Sakamoto witnessed 34 games, so there was plenty for the crowd to enjoy.
Vacherot will be no pushover and after seeing off Aleksandar Kovacevic in straight sets, he overcame Kamil Adrian Majchrzak in four sets to continue his solid main-draw debut in New York.
The Monegasque, who broke his ATP Tour duck at last year's Shanghai Masters, is now 23rd in the world rankings and he has been on an upward trajectory for the last couple of years.
Vacherot can ensure this contest produces at least 40 games, although it is Tiafoe who is being backed to advance to the fourth round.
Frances Tiafoe to win 3-1 (+300)
Tiafoe was a little rusty in his first match, dropping two sets, and although he responded with a straight-sets win in round two, he is still not firing on all cylinders.
The American can blow hot and cold and there will be chances presented for Vacherot, who has looked solid in his first two outings.
The Monegasque looks capable of taking a set for Tiafoe, but the home favourite can use the partisan crowd to his advantage and wrap up a 3-1 win.
Over 0.5 tie breaks (-200)
While no tie breaks were required for either player in their first-round encounters, Vacherot and Tiafoe both needed one in the second round.
Vacherot played out a tie break in the third set against Majchrzak, while Tiafoe's tie break came in the second set against Sakamoto.
A second tie break was almost needed in the third set of Tiafoe's match, that last set a 7-5 scoreline, and there looks to be a strong chance this clash will need at least one.
Valentin Vacherot vs. Frances Tiafoe odds
Valentin Vacherot | +163 |
Frances Tiafoe | -200 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
