Friday’s action at the ATP Miami Open sees the Top 32 seeds debut at the event after a bye in the first round. As always, LWOT will predict all of the matches scheduled on the day, with 32 singles matches on the order of play. Who will prevail?
ATP Miami Day 3 Predictions
Frances Tiafoe vs Christopher O’Connell
Head-to-head: First meeting
Tiafoe has continued to have a disappointing 2024 season, most recently losing in a third round Indian Wells loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas. Meanwhile, O’Connell is near his career high ranking, continuing to build off of previous seasons and show good form on tour. While the American should win this with the home crowd behind him, look for O’Connell’s fast serve to make this close. Tiafoe should enjoy having the primetime Grandstand slot on Friday night.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 3
Alexander Bublik vs Matteo Arnaldi
Head-to-head: First meeting
Bublik is a seed at this tournament for the third time, as he notably made the quarterfinals in the 2021 tournament. After Arnaldi pushed Carlos Alcaraz in the second round of Indian Wells, he looked solid in his first Miami match, taking out Arthur Fils 6-3 6-4. Arnaldi has a powerful forehand that should help him out against Bublik, who is almost predictable with his tricks and awkward shotmaking on tour. Bublik couldn’t bring his best tennis in Indian Wells, falling in a lackluster loss to Alex De Minaur in the third round. Going for the minor upset here.
Prediction: Arnaldi in 3
Ugo Humbert vs Botic Van De Zandschulp
Head-to-head: Humbert 2-0
At 25 years old, Humbert is having the best season of his career, highlighted by an ATP 500 title in Dubai. Against Van De Zandschulp, the Frenchman should like his odds. Van De Zandschulp is 5-9 on the season so far, despite a Top 20 win earlier this season. Look for Humbert to use his serve to full effect and win this rather easily.
Prediction: Humbert in 2
Andrey Rublev vs Tomas Machac
Head-to-head: First meeting
Machac took advantage of a stadium court appearance on Wednesday, winning 6-4 6-2 against Darwin Blanch. The 23-year old is a rising star on tour, but Rublev should have too many tools in this matchup. While Rublev lost disappointingly in the third round of Indian Wells, he should be refreshed here.
Prediction: Rublev in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
