
Delray Beach is bringing some fun first-round matchups, with a mix of qualifiers, home favourites, and players looking to bounce back. Keep an eye on names like Frances Tiafoe, a former champ here, plus rising talents trying to make a statement. From potential upsets to tight three-set battles, there’s plenty of betting value to dig into in these ATP 250 clashes.
Vacherot – Michelsen: 16.02.2026 20:30 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Valentin Vacherot has won four of his last five matches. The last match he played was in the Davis Cup, where he defeated Shevchenko and Bublik in straight sets. This is his debut in the main draw here.
Alex Michelsen has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Dallas, Michelsen lost to Davidovich Fokina in the 1/8-Finals in straight sets. Last season in Delray Beach, the American lost to Kecmanovic in the semifinals in straight sets.
According to the bookies, this will be a 50-50 matchup, but we disagree. Vacherot is playing his best tennis and enjoys playing on a hard court. Michelsen had a rough match against Davidovich Fokina last week under similar conditions. On the other hand, Vacherot dominated against Bublik and Shevchenko. We expect Vacherot to be a better player.
That being said, Vacherot winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Valentin Vacherot winning @2.00 @bet365
Shimabukuro – Giron: 17.02.2026 00:00 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Sho Shimabukuro has won four of his last five matches. This week in Delray Beach, Shimabukuro qualified for the main draw tournament by winning both matches in straight sets.
Marcos Giron has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Dallas, Giron lost to Fritz in the opening round in three tight sets. Last season in Delray Beach, Giron lost to Kecmanovic in the quarterfinals in three tight sets.
According to the bookies, Giron is the favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He enjoys playing in Delray Beach and played well against Fritz last week in Dallas. He has more experience at the ATP Tour level than Shimabukuro, and we expect him to win in straight sets.
That being said, Giron winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Marcos Giron winning 2-0 @2.00 @bet365
Hijikata – Tiafoe: 17.02.2026 02:00 CEST
H2H: 1-1
Rinky Hijikata has won three of his last five matches. This week in Delray Beach, Hijikata qualified for the main draw tournament. He defeated Svrcina in the final qualifying round in straight sets.
Frances Tiafoe has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Dallas, Tiafoe lost to Korda in the 1/8-Finals in straight sets. The American was the champion here in 2018.
According to the bookies, Tiafoe is the favourite in this matchup, but we disagree. Hijikata played well in the qualifying tournament. If he serves well, we expect him to keep this match close.
That being said, Hijikata covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Rinky Hijikata +3.5 games handicap @2.00 @bet365
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