An exciting slate of matches is in store at the ATP Dallas Open, one of the few ATP 250 tournaments in the United States. Six first and second-round matches will take place, with this set of predictions featuring Tommy Paul. LWOT previews and predicts all of the action ahead–we also have another set of matches spotlighting Ben Shelton.
ATP Dallas Day 3 Predictions
Dennis Kudla vs Radu Albot
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both players sit outside the Top 100, and will certainly take a win here in Dallas. Kudla managed only four wins during the 2023 season at ATP tour level, while Albot was able to get seven wins at the same level. Albot is a great counterpuncher with great speed on the court, but that may not translate as well to the indoor hard courts. Kudla will also have the home crowd on his side, recently coming off a solid appearance at an ATP Challenger event in Cleveland. Look for Kudla to win this match in a tight contest.
Prediction: Kudla in 3
James Duckworth vs Christopher Eubanks
Head-to-head: First meeting
Eubanks is currently in the midst of a sophomore season at ATP Tour level, as he’s put up a solid 2-2 record thus far. He did well to take out Steve Johnson in the first round on Tuesday, winning 6-1 6-4. Duckworth similarly straightforwardly won his first-round match, but Eubanks should have the upper hand in this match. Both players possess big serves and thrive on faster hard courts, making this hopefully a fun contest to watch.
Prediction: Eubanks in 2
Tommy Paul vs Taro Daniel
Head-to-head: Paul 2-1
Paul certainly comes into this match as the strong favorite on paper. Yet, Daniel came into a similar situation in the ATP Auckland Open when facing a higher seed, stunning Ben Shelton 7-5 7-6(9) in January. While Daniel doesn’t have significant weapons that could hurt Paul, he could certainly use his consistency to force errors from Paul.
Paul meanwhile hasn’t played a match since his third-round loss at the Australian Open, a match that saw the American wildly lose his form and confidence in a five-set defeat. Look for Paul to eventually win this match, but he’ll need to find an extra gear to win against a solid and determined opponent. Daniel will have to protect his serve to win this one — his serve noticeably lacks pace compared to other Top 100 players.
Prediction: Paul in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
