The ATP Dallas Open returns for its second edition with many Americans in the field, including a marquee all-American matchup. This is the joint first stop of the year on indoor hard court, forcing players to adjust to the faster speeds. There is no clear favorites in the draw so plenty of players are fighting to start the week off right in hopes to capture the title. All of the matches are previewed here at Last Word on Tennis, including four others in a separate article.
ATP Dallas Day 2 Predictions
Steve Johnson vs Adrian Mannarino
Head-to-head: 5-2 Johnson
Johnson has the huge advantage in the previous meetings between the two veterans. They have played just twice since 2018, both last year on hard courts, with Mannarino taking their matchup here in Dallas in a close three set match. Johnson seems to be in the tail end of his career, spending most of his recent schedule on the Challenger circuit. Mannarino ended 2022 in poor form, but has played decently well in 2023 and comes off a strong win last week at the Davis Cup. Johnson has always relied on his serve, while Mannarino is a great baseliner with a strong forehand. The fast courts will help Mannarino hang with Johnson on serve and try and take advantage of the American’s mistakes. Mannarino simply has more game than Johnson right now and will win a fairly close match.
Prediction: Mannarino in 3
Jordan Thompson vs Denis Kudla
Head-to-head: 3-1 Thompson
This should be a fairly close matchup between two players who enjoy a fast hard court. Their last meeting was on grass last year, won by Thompson in straight sets. Thompson has started off the year poorly with just a 1-3 record, while Kudla has more match wins, mainly due to having to fight through qualifying at the Australian Open. Both players have power though not huge serves and Kudla will try to hit through the Australian in a baseline battle. Thompson has a bit better of a resume and game overall but Kudla seems to be in better form. Thompson has been in a rut the last few months, and his struggles along with a home crowd behind Kudla will give him the slightest edge to take the match.
Prediction: Kudla in 3
Yibing Wu vs Michael Mmoh
Head-to-head: First meeting
Wu comes into Dallas riding a lot of momentum after making the final of the Cleveland Challenger last week. Mmoh has plenty of momentum of his own after reaching the third round at the Australian Open as a Lucky Loser, including a massive upset win over Alexander Zverev. Mmoh is well-suited for faster courts. He hits with a ton of power and the added speed on his strong groundstrokes will make him a challenge for any opponent. Wu hits hard but will have to play more defensively against a player like Mmoh. Wu had just one day off between his final in Cleveland while Mmoh has not played since Melbourne. Mmoh will come out swinging, and his freshness and power will be all the tools he needs to take a dominant victory.
Prediction: Mmoh in 2
J.J. Wolf vs Brandon Holt
Head-to-head: 1-0 Wolf
J.J. Wolf is slowly becoming one of the unexpected young American stars. Wolf made his first ATP final in Florence last year then had an impressive run to the fourth round at the Australian Open. Holt has struggled to perform at the top level after turning pro, spending most of his time on the Challenger Tour and in qualifying draws. Wolf won a close battle in their one meeting last season between the two former collegiate stars. Holt looked good in qualifying here in Dallas, winning all four of his sets, but will have to play for the third straight day while Wolf is rested and playing just his first match since the Australian Open. Wolf simply has more game than Holt and will win convincingly.
Prediction: Wolf in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
