The opening day of the 2025 ATP Mexican Open has eight matches. One of the most interesting bouts is the all-Czech battle between Tomas Machac and Jakub Mensik. Fifth seed Ben Shelton will also get his campaign underway against Flavio Cobolli, whom he has never beaten in two meetings. Who will advance to the next round at ATP Acapulco?
ATP Acapulco Day 1 Predictions
Daniel Altmaier vs Miomir Kecmanovic
Head-to-head: Kecmanovic 2-0 Altmaier
This is a rematch from last year. Daniel Altmaier recorded his first-ever main draw win in Acapulco by stunning Alexander Zverev but lost immediately after to Miomir Kecmanovic. The Serbian is coming off a remarkable title win in Delray, where he saved match points in the final. Altmaier has surprisingly found form on hard courts (indoors), but the outdoor conditions should still favor the in-form Kecmanovic, who will have better control of points.
Prediction: Kecmanovic in 2
David Goffin vs Rinky Hijikata
Head-to-head: Goffin 1-1 Hijikata
David Goffin is on a seven-match losing run dating back to the end of last season. One of his five defeats in 2025 was inflicted by Rinky Hijikata in Adelaide. And it was a crushing loss, with Goffin only recording three games. The Belgian’s usually reliable shot tolerance is no longer an asset, reducing his counterpunching powers. Hijikata plays with a high work rate that Goffin will find difficult to sustain.
Prediction: Hijikata in 2
Jakub Mensik vs Tomas Machac
Head-to-head: first meeting
The first meeting between two of the most promising Czech players on tour will surely be a must-see. That Top 20 debut is on the cards for Tomas Machac. He doesn’t defend any points this week. Machac should be pleased with how his season has panned out so far. Jakub Mensik has an identical record to his countryman’s, with seven wins and four losses. He missed the Qatar Open this past week, presumably due to injury, which is a massive disappointment after his run to his first ATP final last year. It looks like Machac is at peak physical readiness for this match.
Prediction: Machac in 3
Ben Shelton vs Flavio Cobolli
Head-to-head: Cobolli 2-0 Shelton
It’s been three weeks since Ben Shelton was in action. The American was surprisingly beaten by Jaume Munar in Dallas. With just one win since the Australian Open, the pressure is on Shelton in this match. Flavio Cobolli won both meetings in their head-to-head but looks off-color in 2025. The Italian has lost five matches in a row and only won one set. This is the perfect opportunity for Shelton to turn the tables in his favor.
Prediction: Shelton in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch – USA TODAY Sports
