Jannik Sinner lost for the first time this season in the Indian Wells semifinals to Carlos Alcaraz. He’s now up to 17-1 for the year after defeating Andrea Vavassori to kick off his Miami campaign, though. Last year, he made the final. Can the Italian go one step further this time? For now, he gets to play Tallon Griekspoor in the third round, with the Dutchman being a very familiar foe. Who do you think will advance to the next stage of ATP Miami?
ATP Miami Day 5 Predictions
Martin Damm vs Christopher O’Connell
Head-to-head: First meeting
It’s a great opportunity for both players. Martin Damm was fortunate in the second round with Tommy Paul rolling his ankle while up a set, as the youngster probably wasn’t winning that match. The 20-year-old has a cannon lefty serve, though, and a bag of skills that eventually should get him to the Top 100, even if his progress hasn’t been as quick as some were hoping for a few years ago. For now, Christopher O’Connell is more seasoned and complete, though, which perhaps makes him a slight favorite.
Prediction: O’Connell in 3
Ugo Humbert vs Dominik Koepfer
Head-to-head: Koepfer 2-1
Dominik Koepfer is not to be underestimated, and he’s proven that time and time again. The left-handed German knows very well how to make the opponent uncomfortable, but it’s possible that against a fellow southpaw, his tricks might not have the same impact. Ugo Humbert has also been in that form of his life for a while now. The 25-year-old should enjoy the Miami conditions more than he did at Indian Wells, which could amount to another run.
Prediction: Humbert in 3
Casper Ruud vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Head-to-head: Davidovich Fokina 2-1
Casper Ruud is on a very nice run at the moment (Los Cabos and Acapulco finals, Indian Wells quarterfinals), but maintaining that on the faster courts in Miami might be a bit of a challenge. He was out of sorts for a set against Luca Van Assche before managing to get his level back in the decider. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina certainly has the skill set to take advantage of this, and as long as he can keep his own mental frailties in check, he should get some chances here.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 3
Jannik Sinner vs Tallon Griekspoor
Head-to-head: Sinner 3-0
We haven’t seen much to suggest that Jannik Sinner has stopped being the machine that he’s become recently. Over the last 13 months, he’s played Tallon Griekspoor three times and two times, probably where the Dutchman is at his strongest—during his home event in Rotterdam. All matches were straight-set wins, and while Griekspoor possesses a really strong serve and forehand combo, these weapons usually look rather meek against someone like Sinner, who has so much quality in every shot.
Prediction: Sinner in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
