Tennis best bets for the US Open – Wednesday, August 30th
The US Open is the final major of the year and it’s arguably the most exciting of the four Grand Slams. There’s just something special about this tournament being played in Flushing Meadows, New York, where the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center serves as one of the greatest venues in the sport. The drama of the night matches at Arthur Ashe Stadium can’t be replicated anywhere else. And there’s a lot of buzz heading into this year’s tournament, with young stars Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek looking to defend their titles. Plus, the return of Novak Djokovic should be thrilling to watch. With that out of the way, I’m hoping to continue dishing out winners over the next two weeks, so make sure you keep reading for my tennis best bets for Wednesday, August 30th.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have
Roman Safiullin vs. Tommy Paul
Safiullin is a player that I seem to regularly bet on, but that’s because he’s way better than his ranking suggests. His power from all over the court is extremely impressive, and I think he’s going to be able to do a good job of moving Paul around in this match. Of course, Paul is a very good athlete and arguably moves as well as anyone on tour. But it could get tiring playing his brand of defense in these conditions. And Paul also happens to be under quite a bit of pressure, as he’s an American that is expected to go deep in his draw. That’s not going to be easy for him to manage.
I ultimately do think Paul will get the job done, but I really wouldn’t be surprised if Safiullin pushes him to his absolute limit and potentially even steals this match. That’s why I’m playing the Over here. I just don’t see either of these players winning without the other putting up a serious fight.
Bet: Over 37.5 Games (-110)
Dominic Thiem vs. Ben Shelton
Shelton is a player that has a world of potential, as he has one of the biggest serves on tour and can really pound his forehand. But Shelton hasn’t yet had his breakthrough at a major, and I think he got a brutal draw here. Thiem seems to have found his game recently, as he made a run all the way to the final in Kitzbuhel in early August. Thiem didn’t play a tournament after that, but he looked awesome in a straight-set win over Alexander Bublik in the first round here. With him finding his form, I just don’t see him letting this match get away.
Shelton’s serve is a huge weapon, but it will be neutralized a little by the slower courts and Thiem’s ability to return. And most of the extended rallies in this match should work out in Thiem’s favor. So, I’m playing Thiem as a small moneyline ‘dog in this spot. And it wouldn’t shock me if the Austrian makes a run in this draw.
Bet: Thiem ML (+115 – 2 units)
Taylor Townsend vs. Beatriz Haddad Maia
I was on Haddad Maia to beat Sloane Stephens in the first round, and the Brazilian ended up coming through in a nailbiter there. I’m not sure this one will be as difficult. Townsend can definitely be a dangerous player when she’s on her game, but I think Haddad Maia is just a much better player than her — in pretty much every facet of the game.
It feels like Haddad Maia is being undervalued a bit by the oddsmakers early in this tournament, but she’s a top-15 player in the sport. And she is the ultimate battler, so she’ll win if the conditions turn this into a war of attrition.
Bet: Haddad Maia -2.5 Games (-140)
ADDED PLAYS:
Kaja Juvan ML (+105) vs. Lauren Davis
Mirra Andreeva Over 7.5 Games Won (-125) vs. Coco Gauff
Roman Safiullin +2.5 Sets (-200) vs. Tommy Paul
Carolina Wozniacki +1.5 Sets (-140 – 2 units) vs. Petra Kvitova
2023 Overall Record: 260-241 (+34.00 units)
