If Daniil Medvedev is to defend his ATP Miami title, he needs five more wins. He leads Cameron Norrie head-to-head 2-0, with their most recent meeting coming back in 2022. Who do you think will prevail this time?
ATP Miami Day 5 Predictions
Nicolas Jarry vs Thiago Seyboth Wild
Head-to-head: Seyboth Wild 1-0
Thiago Seyboth Wild being a hardcore clay specialist was something that never truly made sense, and the Brazilian is finally showing it in the Sunshine Double. He’s already posted two Top 20 wins on hard courts this month and now gets a crack at World No. 23 Nicolas Jarry. While on paper, this isn’t a pleasant matchup for the 24-year-old, he’s been serving a lot better than usual so far and won’t be coming off a three-and-a-half-hour battle, unlike the Chilean.
Prediction: Seyboth Wild in 3
Denis Shapovalov vs Matteo Arnaldi
Head-to-head: Shapovalov 1-0
Denis Shapovalov delivered a true demolition job when he played Stefanos Tsitsipas; if he had taken his chances, it easily could have been much more lop-sided than the final 6-2 6-4 scoreline. This time, he’s not facing someone badly out of form, though. In fact, Matteo Arnaldi seems to be on the verge of a breakthrough result and has been flawless this week so far. The Italian is still in the process of figuring out his identity as a player, but in terms of ball-striking and athleticism right now, he might have the advantage.
Prediction: Arnaldi in 3
Tomas Machac vs Andy Murray
Head-to-head: Machac 1-0
This will likely be tighter than their recent Marseille clash, as Andy Murray finally found his footing this season. Tomas Machac is coming off that incredible performance versus Andrey Rublev, though, with his backhand down the line, loving the height of the bounce at ATP Miami. The Czech loves taking the ball early and should be putting a lot of pressure on his opponent. Murray will try to defuse it with the variety, but at this stage of his career, his defensive qualities are a little weaker.
Prediction: Machac in 2
Daniil Medvedev vs Cameron Norrie
Head-to-head: Medvedev 2-0
Daniil Medvedev will be hoping for a repeat from the previous season when he reached the final in Indian Wells and won the title at ATP Miami. His attempt to defend the trophy began with a comfortable enough win over Marton Fucsovics. Things might get a little trickier here, but Cameron Norrie also isn’t in the form of his life. It would require so much tactical discipline and plenty of penetration on the flatter backhand for the Brit to have a shot here. Beating Medvedev on this court seems a little out of his range.
Prediction: Medvedev in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
