It’s time to begin main draw action at the 2023 ATP Dallas Open. Only one singles match has been scheduled for Monday along with one doubles and the four remaining qualifying clashes. Jack Sock will try to use his wild card and grab a win over Ilya Ivashka. Who do you think will come out on top?
ATP Dallas Day 1 Predictions
Elmar Ejupovic vs Alex Rybakov
Head-to-head: First meeting
This is a final round of qualifying match. What an opportunity it is for both players as Elmar Ejupovic grabbed one of the best wins of his career over Juncheng Shang on Sunday, while Alex Rybakov is just coming back after having to wrap up his 2022 campaign in September. It’s hard to say who has the edge here, but Ejupovic’s huge serve coming at the one-handed backhand of the American is a pattern that Rybakov won’t enjoy, especially indoors.
Prediction: Ejupovic in 3
Brandon Holt vs Gabriel Diallo
Head-to-head: First meeting
This is a final round of qualifying match. Can Brandon Holt finally bring his Grand Slam form to the main tour? The American qualified and earned a main draw win at both the US Open and the Australian Open, but has been a non-factor in Challenger events in the meantime. Gabriel Diallo is still a lot rawer, but once his game gets polished up, it should shine brighter than the one of his counter-punching rival. At this point in time, it’s just super close between these two.
Prediction: Diallo in 3
Fernando Verdasco vs Mitchell Krueger
Head-to-head: First meeting
This is a final round of qualifying match. Fernando Verdasco struggled mightily in his victory over Evan Zhu, but was finally able to prevail in dramatic circumstances, despite his opponent serving for the match. Can he produce a quick turnaround and perform much better against Mitchell Krueger? The American has actually had a pretty solid start to 2023, but is still flying under the radar due to his weak campaign last year. This is a good opportunity for him to emerge from the back row.
Prediction: Krueger in 2
Jack Sock vs Ilya Ivashka
Head-to-head: Ivashka 1-0
Both players have only played one match in 2023 so far. Ilya Ivashka took Botic van de Zandschulp to four at the Australian Open, while Jack Sock lost to the talented junior Alex Michelsen in Cleveland. The American has been struggling with his health a lot in recent years and his fitness is always under a question mark. Ivashka seemed to be in good shape in Melbourne and should be able to take the win here, just like he did last time they played in Cincinnati 2022.
Prediction: Ivashka in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
