Felix Auger-Aliassime is returning home after a strong performance at the Olympics.
The pregame narrative: Auger-Aliassime beat some of the world's best in Paris. Now, he's back in his hometown of Montreal to battle Flavio Cobolli, who has been sharpening his hardcourt game. I expect Cobolli to make this a competitive contest.
Check out our Auger-Aliassime vs. Cobolli odds and best bet for their National Bank Open match on Aug. 7.
Auger-Aliassime vs. Cobolli National Bank Open odds
Go to full Auger-Aliassime vs. Cobolli betting markets.
Best bet: Cobolli +1.5 sets (-136)
Auger-Aliassime deserves plenty of plaudits for his run at the Olympics.
No, he didn't earn a medal, but he finished fourth in a tournament where he defeated superstars like Daniil Medvedev and Casper Ruud.
His effort at the Olympics raised his record on clay to 17-8, one of the best marks of his career.
Returning to the outdoor hardcourt, however, provides a significant challenge for Auger-Aliassime.
The Canadian has really struggled on the surface recently. He's 4-5 in 2024 and 17-18 since the start of last year.
His opponent won't make the transition from clay any easier, either, as Cobolli has excelled on the outdoor hardcourts.
Cobolli finished as the runner-up at last week's Citi Open, losing to American Sebastian Korda in the final. The talent pool at the tournament was diluted by the Olympics, but this isn't Cobolli's lone run of success on the surface.
Cobolli is 18-8 in 2024, scoring wins over top competitors like Ben Shelton, Nicolas Jarry and Auger-Aliassime.
Yes, he defeated Auger-Aliassime at Acapulco earlier this year.
Both competitors are young and athletic, but Cabolli has been excellent in the return game. His ability to win net points will make life difficult for Auger-Aliassime in this contest.
All this wager requires is for Cobolli to keep it close, and the Italian should be able to do that.
Key stat: Cobolli has covered this spread in each of his last seven hardcourt matches.
Picks made at 3:49 p.m. ET on 08/06/2024.
