Delray Beach Open Day 4 Predictions

Steve Johnson vs Paolo Lorenzi

Johnson is on a one-match winning streak here in Delray Beach after having gone 0-3 in his opening three tournaments of the season. Facing the Italian–whose arsenal has more vulnerabilities than strengths when stacked against the American–Johnson has a good chance of adding to this streak of his. This will be the first match between the two players.
Prediction: Johnson in 2

Radu Albot vs Nick Kyrgios

Kyrgios played an entertaining opener against compatriot John Millman to advance to the second round in the event. Coupled with his previous result against the Moldovan – Kyrgios won their only past meeting at the 2018 US Open first round – Kyrgios will go in as the favourite on the day.
Prediction: Kyrgios in 2

Guillermo Garcia-Lopez vs Mackenzie McDonald

The 23-year-old American has not had it easy on the ATP Tour this year, with results not going the way he would have wanted. Against Garcia-Lopez, McDonald will have a gritty fight on his hands, but the American does have a better range of shots to keep the Spaniard on the back foot. This will be the first meeting between the two players and the World #84 looks like he will go one up on Garcia-Lopez at the end of the match.
Prediction: McDonald in 2

Juan Martin del Potro vs Reilly Opelka

Understandably, this is the match of the day. Opelka’s tactical improvements have been substantiated in his results and the World #54 is on a six-match winning streak entering into Thursday’s encounter. The Argentine has a lot at stake as well what with trying to shrug off the remnants of ill-health that had dragged him down. This match-up, then, could not have come at a better time for either player.

If Opelka were to upset del Potro, it would be the biggest win of the 21-year-old’s career. On the other hand, del Potro would receive a significant boost to his morale if he were to take down his in-form opponent. Strong serves and big booming forehands are sure to dominate the play between them but Opelka goes in as the slight favourite, simply on account of having more match practice than the #4.
Prediction: Opelka in 3