The ATP Dallas Open returns for its third edition. Monday’s order of play contains the remaining round of the qualifying competition and two singles main draw matches, including sixth seed Max Purcell trying to overcome a losing head-to-head record against Mitchell Krueger. Who do you think will come out on top?
ATP Dallas Day 1 Predictions
Terence Atmane vs Steve Johnson
Head-to-head: First meeting
This is a final round of qualifying. Steve Johnson is playing a fairly limited schedule based on events close by, but he still picked up two titles last year and was actually playing some of his best stuff in ages. It’s hard to say how well he’s going to perform here with the opening-round win over Timo Stodder being quite comfortable for him. Terence Atmane is a step up, but on the quick indoor court in Dallas the serve and forehand of Johnson can still reign supreme if he can deliver an optimal performance. Should be a tight one anyway.
Prediction: Johnson in 3
Taro Daniel vs Constant Lestienne
Head-to-head: First meeting
Taro Daniel has already made an ATP Tour final this year, losing to Alejandro Tabilo in Auckland. The last year or so has been very solid for the Japanese, who’s probably playing better (or at least more consistently) than when he won a title and beat Novak Djokovic years back. Indoor tennis isn’t something he often goes for, but with the improved serve he might be a threat. He’s certainly a lot less up and down than Constant Lestienne is right now.
Prediction: Daniel in 2
Mitchell Krueger vs Max Purcell
Head-to-head: Krueger 2-0
Mitchell Krueger leads the head-to-head 2-0, but both these matches came three years ago and long before Max Purcell’s singles awakening. It has to be said that the American veteran has picked himself up nicely at the beginning of the season, returning to the winners’ circle at the Challenger level in Indian Wells. If he keeps that form up, he should be able to put some pressure on Purcell. The Australian will likely claim a win eventually, but the Dallas conditions might make this interesting.
Prediction: Purcell in 3
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton – USA TODAY Sports
