Can Nishikori Beat Raonic and Move Closer to Semis: Latest ATP World Tour Finals Betting Odds

Injury-struck Kei Nishikori will try to battle Milos Raonic for a place in the semis at the ATP World Tour Finals.

Yesterday’s ATP World Tour Finals matches brought more disappointment to tennis fans and punters who bet on sports in the UK. The games were far from high-quality and failed to provide bettors with some real value in most wagering markets.

But there’s certainly more to look forward today concerning both tennis and betting action at the online sportsbooks in the United Kingdom. Group B returns to the courts for their final round robin matches and a chance to book a place in the semis. Yes, all four players can still qualify from this group, given the interesting standings right now.

Previous matches

Group B at the ATP World Tour Finals enters the last matchday with Nishikori v Raonic going first

• Those who bet on sports in the UK back Nishikori to win here

• There are fears, however, Nishikori will not be fit enough due to injury

• Both players still have a chance to qualify for the semi-finals

Yesterday was time for Group A matches, and Novak Djokovic once again revealed just why he is the current world number one, beating Stanislas Wawrinka 6-3, 6-0. He needs just one more victory to confirm his year-end number 1 position, denying Roger Federer a chance to overtake him. Most bookies under British gambling laws of course favor Djokovic to guarantee the rankings early.

In the other match last night, Marin Cilic has put up another disappointing performance losing out to Tomas Berdych 3-6, 1-6. His game was full of errors, and it made the majority of fans wonder if Marin is really the US Open champion.

Interestingly enough, all four players in this group also still have a chance to qualify for the semi-finals, it will all be decided tomorrow, on the last day of round robin. Hopefully, we will be able to witness much better performances from players, than what’s been on show at the O2 so far.

Nishikori v Raonic trivia

Day 5 will commence with Kei Nishikori facing Milos Raonic in a battle for qualifying spot. Both players are far from top form, considering their performances in London, but this will be their last chance to book a semi-final place.

The US Open runner-up, Nishikori, has added troubles in form of a wrist injury he suffered in the match against Roger Federer. So the outcome of this afternoon’s match may largely depend on just how fit Kei is. Statistically, Nishikori of course looks much better, especially for the slow indoor hard surface.

Milos Raonic has only managed to serve up 38 percent of his 1^st serves against Andy Murray, and produced whopping 33 unforced errors on the forehand so far. Considering that forehand is his primary weapon, it will be very difficult for him to overpower Nishikori, should the Japanese player be fit enough.

This season the pair has met at the US Open and then in Tokyo, producing excellent performances from both players and pleasing fans and punters with great games. However, judging by the way things are in London, today’s match will be far from the previous ones.

Nishikori leads their head-to-heads with 4-1, but then again his injury might be the thing that will help Raonic improve the standings. On the other hand Milos is on very bad form himself, making this match very difficult to predict and bet on.

As for the semi-final places, Nishikori looks like a better candidate, beating Raonic will certainly help him move closer and would only be made impossible if Andy Murray beats Roger Federer in the evening match.

Kei Nishikori v Milos Raonic betting odds

Land-based and online bookies are having a bit of trouble predicting the outcome, but still give the upper hand to Nishikori. Bet365 values the Japanese success tonight with 1.57 odds, while Milos Raonic’ chances are valued with a line of 2.37. But once again betting with outright odds could be tricky, so let’s take a look at other wagering markets for the game.

Much value can be found betting on the correct score of the first set. Should Nishikori take if 6-4, the payout for punters will be 5.50, the same line is given for his tie break success. But Milos Raonic’ win of 6-4 in the 1st will deliver a higher payout: 7.00, and only a line of 6.50 for 7-6 score.

However, backing Kei to take the first set 6-2 is a much better option, which will deliver a 15.00 payout, and an even higher one – 26.00 in case he wins 6-1. As for Raonic, his 6-2 win will pay at 21.00 at Bet365, and 6-1 win in the first set brings a whopping payout of 41.00.

Another valuable market is the double result one. Here Bet365 pays at 1.90 for Nishikori to win the first set and then take the match as well. In case he wins the 1st, but then goes on to lose the match, the payout is much higher – 8.00. As for Raonic, should he take the 1st set and then win the match as well, punters will collect at 2.87. However, should he win the opening set, but then go on to lose the match in the end – Bet365 will be paying at 6.50.