We have another great week of exciting ATP evening tennis in store in Los Cabos, Mexico. The main draw kicks off Monday, and as always we at LWOT share our thoughts on the matches. Who do you expect to win on Day 1?
ATP Los Cabos Day 1 Predictions
Dan Evans vs Roman Safiullin
What a match to begin the tournament. Safiullin has far more power, but Evans is an excellent problem-solver around the court. Then again, there’s not much solution for your opponent being able to blast you off the court. These two met in Chengdu last year, and Safiullin won easily. The conditions outdoors in Mexico aren’t quite as in the Russian’s favor, but that won’t be enough for me to be comfortable picking Evans.
Prediction: Safiullin in 3
Max Purcell vs Matteo Arnaldi
The two met in Australian Open qualifying last year, and Purcell won easily. Since then, Arnaldi has begun to break through to the top of the game. Purcell? Not so much.
Prediction: Arnaldi in 2
Constant Lestienne vs Alex Michelsen
Michelsen is flying under a lot of radars right now, but that can’t last long. The American is too talented and is winning too many matches to not be noticed. Expect more people to notice him this week.
Prediction: Michelsen in 2
Aleksandar Kovacevic vs Brandon Holt
These young Americans have met three times, all in the last two years. And while it might seem that Kovacevic is finding his pro footing faster, Holt has won all three matchups, though all were very tight. Still, 0-3 against an opponent can weigh on a player, and this is their biggest meeting yet.
Prediction: Holt in 3
Thanasi Kokkinakis vs Jack Draper
This is the highlight of the day, and might be one of the better matches of the tournament. Each touted as his country’s great next hope, both have dealt with injuries and neither has quite panned out yet. Draper is younger and probably healthier, though. Maybe that’s enough for now? But if both are healthy, this could be a classic.
Prediction: Draper in 3
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
