Main draw action kicks off on Monday at the ATP Delray Beach Open in Florida. We’ll see some Americans with potential (or former potential, at least), along with plenty of other talented players. Who will win on Day 1? Here are our thoughts.
ATP Delray Beach Day 1 Predictions
Ryan Harrison vs Damir Dzumhur
Harrison has dealt with confidence issues, poor play, and injuries. He’s been languishing on the Challenger circuit for a few years now, and he doesn’t seem to be getting back to where he once was. Dzumhur isn’t a great player, but he’s solid. Right now, it looks like solid should be more than enough to cruise past Harrison.
Prediction: Dzumhur in 2
Mackenzie McDonald vs Yasutaka Uchiyama
McDonald hasn’t quite found his professional legs yet as he’s slowly transitioning from playing NCAA tennis. Still, he definitely has a ton of talent and should be a solid professional player for years to come. He has a good draw here and with the American crowd at his back, McDonald should be able to move on.
Prediction: McDonald in 3
Yoshihito Nishioka vs John Millman
Nishioka has slowly and steadily become a very solid player. Millman, other than being Roger Federer’s kyrptonite, has also been in very good form recently. This should be a very good match, and I think it’s flying way too far under the radar. Anyone can win, but I think I’ll go with Nishioka by the slimmest of margins. He’s more consistent in tight spots, even though Millman has the better results.
Prediction: Nishioka in 3
Emilio Gomez vs Frances Tiafoe
Gomez did well to qualify here, and Tiafoe hasn’t been anywhere near his full potential for a long while now. Still, the American is the more talented player in this matchup, and I don’t think he’ll lose to a qualifier in his first match in Florida.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
