After his loss to Cameron Norrie and the thigh issue he struggled with in Rio, everyone was expecting Carlos Alcaraz to pull out of the ATP 500 in Acapulco. The Spaniard is still in the draw thought and scheduled to face Mackenzie McDonald in the opening round. Who do you think will prevail?
ATP Acapulco Day 2 Predictions
Nuno Borges vs Nick Chappell
Head-to-head: First meeting
Nick Chappell will play his second ATP Tour main draw and just like last time, it comes in Mexico with a very weak qualifying field. He did beat a very off-day version of Steve Johnson though, before triumphing over Rubin Statham. Nuno Borges is coming off a Challenger 125 title in a stacked event in Monterrey. While the conditions were very different there (fast with 500m altitude), this is still a match he should be cleaning up, he’s just that much better.
Prediction: Borges in 2
Daniel Altmaier vs Brandon Nakashima
Head-to-head: First meeting
Brandon Nakashima has only played two matches this year, which certainly leaves some doubts in regards to his level on Tuesday. He also hasn’t been past round one in Acapulco yet, but had some nice results in the somewhat similar conditions in Los Cabos. The slow courts should favor him over Daniel Altmaier, but it could be tougher than you’d usually expect, especially if the lighter air can help the German’s serving a little bit.
Prediction: Nakashima in 3
Carlos Alcaraz vs Mackenzie McDonald
Head-to-head: Alcaraz 2-0
Is Carlos Alcaraz actually going to play this event? If he will, surely he’s on upset alert from the get-go with the injury. Mackenzie McDonald is dangerous and capable, although he didn’t come close to the World No. 1 in their two meetings last year. If Alcaraz makes a full recovery, this will most likely end up in another win for the prodigy. Anything less than 100% from the Spaniard and McDonald suddenly has a realistic chance of making the upset.
Prediction: McDonald in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
