The main draw of the ATP 500 event in Washington has arrived as players begin their preparations for the US Open, starting in four weeks. There are many American players in action for the home fans to support, such as Mackenzie McDonald as he battles the Argentinian veteran Diego Schwartzman. We also have two separate articles on LWOT for the other ATP day 1 matches in Washington; these include Gael Monfils vs Bjorn Fratangelo and Marcos Giron vs Radu Albot.
ATP Washington Day 1 Predictions
Corentin Moutet vs Liam Broady
Head-to-head: First meeting
The Frenchman Moutet is a true enigma at times. Attempting a backhand underarm serve during his defeat to John Isner at the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships is a good example of his bizarre antics. Overall it has been and up and down year for Moutet, although he has not played at the level he is capable of in the last few matches since his very good performance in the first round of Wimbledon against compatriot and French tennis hero Richard Gasquet. Broady is seeking to build on his run to the third round of his home Grand Slam that included a notable victory against Casper Ruud, although he was hammered by Jordan Thompson in his last match in Newport. I am going for Moutet to edge this battle of the left-handed players, as Broady often struggles to regain his momentum after the high of playing at Wimbledon.
Prediction: Moutet in 3
Michael Mmoh vs Bradley Klahn
Head-to-head: First meeting
It has been a largely frustrating year for Mmoh, who has not managed many wins on the ATP tour, but has also failed to reach a final in the Challenger events he has played in. He did however show how dangerous he can be in his first round win at Wimbledon against Felix Auger-Aliassime. Mmoh has a strong and powerful game when it is flourishing and the 25-year-old is capable of becoming a regular inside the Top 100 if he begins to play more consistently. He should make a positive start against Klahn. It is admirable how the 32-year-old has continued to scrap away in his career, particularly after many injuries. But Mmoh should regularly find the relatively weak Klahn backhand regularly enough to claim a victory.
Prediction: Mmoh in 2
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Mackenzie McDonald vs Diego Schwartzman
Head-to-head: Schwartzman 2-0 McDonald
McDonald is having a much better year than Schwartzman. The American has 20 victories to his name this year, while his opponent has lost 17 of his 26 matches this year. However just weeks ago Schwartman beat McDonald comfortably in straight sets. This was doubly shocking as grass has been the surface the Argentine has been least comfortable on during his career, while McDonald has had some good results on it. That is still not enough for me to go against McDonald here. His only ATP final to date came at this event two years ago, and the conditions suit his game perfectly. Schwartzman despite his difficult year is still an excellent competitor and could make McDonald sweat, but I think the conditions and the crowd behind him will take him over the line.
Prediction: McDonald in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
