Day 7 in Miami heats up with a thrilling slate of Round of 16 ATP matches. Two Americans will take the court in front of a home audience. Taylor Fritz will be a strong favorite over Miomir Kecmonovic after his triumph in Indian Wells. Jenson Brooksby will be in the opposite situation where he hopes the crowd can push him to an upset over top-seeded Daniil Medvedev. Struggling Lloyd Harris seems to have found some form in Miami but he will have to take on defending champion Hubert Hurkacz. One of the most competitive matches is sure to be Stefanos Tsitipas vs Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz continues to impress week after week and he looks to score his second win over the Greek after a tough battle at last year’s US Open. All round of 16 matches will be predicted here with battles across the ground in store.
We also predict the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article.
ATP Miami Open Day 7 Predictions
Lloyd Harris vs Hubert Hurkacz
Head-to-head: 1-0 Harris
Harris seems to have finally found his 2021 form in Miami with a statement win over Denis Shapovalov in the second round. He lost his first five matches to begin the year and hopes to turn things around. Hurkacz is the defending champion in Miami. He also has not had the year he would have liked and will by fighting for a good showing to avoid a massive points loss. Hurkacz is a solid player with a good serve and net game, making him tough to beat on hard courts. Harris is a bit of a wild card with his current form but Hurkacz reliability will be the key. Depending on Harris, Hurkacz could win easily, but even if the South African puts up a strong fight, Hurkacz will be too good and take the match.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 2
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Carlos Alcaraz
Head-to-head: 1-0 Alcaraz
This may be the match of the day, especially if it lives up to their thrilling five-setter from last year. Tsitsipas had a great Australian Open but has been inconsistent on hard courts this year. Alcaraz scored his second career title in Rio and showed his skills on hard courts with a run to the Indian Wells semifinal. Tsitsipas has a great game for clay but can use his placement and spin to be dangerous on hard as well. Alcaraz is incredibly skilled and can play on all courts. Alcaraz’s excellent physicality can counteract the danger of Tsitsipas and he will have the edge on return. Alcaraz is playing great right now and will have the edge and Tsitsipas does not seem to have the tools in current form.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Taylor Fritz vs Miomir Kecmanovic
Head-to-head: 3-0 Fritz
The Indian Wells champion looks to be poised to make a run in Miami. His ankle that bothered him before the final seems fine especially in his dominant win over countryman Tommy Paul. Kecmanovic has been excellent in Miami, winning all six sets played. He topped Felix Auger-Aliassime in the second round, losing just six games. Fritz is clearly in great form and the stronger and most experienced player. Fitness is the only real concern but he has shown no signs of struggles so far. This match will be competitive as it was just last week in the quarters of Indian Wells and will end with the same result.
Prediction: Fritz in 3
Daniil Medvedev vs Jenson Brooskby
Head-to-head: First meeting
Medvedev will be looking to rebound from a third-round loss at Indian Wells. He has plenty of motivation in Miami as he fights to get back to world #1. Brooksby has been excellent this tournament after a controversial first round match. Brooksby plays an excellent defensive game that could frustrate Medvedev and force him into errors. Medvedev appears to be sharp with comfortable wins in his first two matches. Brooksby may frustrate Medvedev, but he is too talented and will be able to hit through the American and rely on his serve in big points to give him the edge he needs.
Prediction: Medvedev in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
