All the second-round matches will be played on day 4 of the ATP Dallas Open. This article features #3 seed, Tommy Paul and #4 seed, Ben Shelton facing Ethan Quinn and Jaume Munar respectively. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate. But who will advance to the quarterfinals?
ATP Dallas Day 4 Predictions
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Matteo Arnaldi
Head-to-Head: Fokina 0-1 Arnaldi
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina continued his good form in the first round, winning in straight sets without getting broken in the entire match. He is playing with a lot of confidence and a clear mindset. Matteo Arnaldi won his second match of the season after a strong performance in the opening round. Arnaldi defeated Fokina last year in Montreal but the Spaniard looks in better form currently. Both players have a skillful game but I like Fokina’s chances better in this one.
Prediction: Fokina in 3
Tomas Machac vs Rinky Hijikata
Head-to-Head: Machac 0-1 Hijikata
Tomas Machac played his best match of the season to defeat Kei Nishikori in straight sets. Machac was in command of the match right from the start and rode the momentum brilliantly. He is a serious threat to the title if he continues to play at this level. Rinky Hijikata won in a close match when these two played in Adelaide last year, but I feel Machac will be keen for revenge and get this done in two close sets.
Prediction: Machac in 2
Tommy Paul vs Ethan Quinn
Head-to-Head: Paul 1-0 Quinn
It was a nervy start for the defending Dallas Open champion in the first round against an inspired Jenson Brooksby but Paul did well to win the match. He plays another young American Ethan Quinn, who got his third main draw win on the ATP Tour. Quinn is yet to lose a set in three matches including the qualifying rounds but Paul is going to be a significant step up. Quinn needs to serve at his best to keep this close.
Prediction: Paul in 2
Ben Shelton vs Jaume Munar
Head-to-Head: Shelton 1-0 Munar
Jaume Munar is playing the finest hard-court tennis of his life, as evidenced by yet another impressive win in the first round. The Spaniard was brilliant in defense and hit some crazy lob winners in the match. Ben Shelton was equally impressive against Aleksandar Vukic and won 90% of points behind his first serve. Shelton has improved his return this season and that’s helped him win matches much more easily. Munar is playing well but Shelton is still better on hard courts.
Prediction: Shelton in 3
Main Photo Credit: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK
