The 2023 edition of the ATP Delray Beach Open is well underway with the second-round action to be completed on day four in Florida. A number of star names are set to take to the courts with four intriguing matches on the slate. As always, we here at LWOT are offering our previews and predictions for every match, but who will reach the last eight?
ATP Delray Beach Day 4 Predictions
Radu Albot vs Aleksandar Vukic
Head-to-head: Albot 1-0 Vukic
Radu Albot endured a tough first-round match against fellow veteran Fernando Verdasco, but got the better of the Spaniard in two tiebreakers. He now takes on Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic, who impressed in coming through the qualifying and played well in his opener against Christopher Eubanks, rallying from a set down to beat the big-serving American in three. But Albot beat Vukic in their sole previous meeting before and it looks like like a repeat of that result could be on the cards.
Prediction: Albot in 3
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Adrian Mannarino vs J.J. Wolf
Head-to-head: Wolf 1-0 Mannarino
J.J. Wolf has played very well so far in 2023 with a fourth-round appearance at Australian Open backed up by a semifinal showing last week in Dallas. Adrian Mannarino, meanwhile, isn’t showing signs of slowing down as the Frenchman still is a very potent player on his day, particularly in favourable conditions. But the relatively slow hard courts at the ATP Delray Beach Open don’t suit the Frenchman all that well. Perhaps more importantly, Wolf has already beaten Mannarino this year and it’s hard to see Mannarino withstanding the American’s considerable firepower.
Prediction: Wolf in 3
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Denis Kudla vs Tommy Paul
Head-to-head: Paul 1-0 Kudla
Tommy Paul will look to continue to build on his fine run to the semifinals of the Australian Open as he begins his campaign here at the ATP Delray Beach Open. The American, seeded second in Florida, has been handed what looks like a relatively straightforward first match against Denis Kudla. Kudla has carved out a fine career, highlighted by a fourth-round showing at Wimbledon eight years ago, but he doesn’t have the big game needed to unsettle the in-form Paul. Paul will need to be wary of Kudla’s down-the-line backhand, but expect it to be a relatively routine day for the 25-year-old.
Prediction: Paul in 2
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Taylor Fritz vs Emilio Gomez
Head-to-head: first meeting
Taylor Fritz will have to be wary of his second-round opponent Emilio Gomez. The Ecuadorian has notched decent runs in his last couple of tournaments and is a very adept counter-puncher. The American, however, will surely back his power off the ground (and from the line) to puncture Gomez’s defences. Fritz has not been at his best over the past few weeks, losing early in Melbourne before narrowly missing out against Wu Yibing in the semifinals in Dallas, but he is ranked seventh in the world for a reason.
Prediction: Fritz in 2
Main photo credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
