The ATP Mubadala Citi Open in Washington, D.C. is one of the first events leading into US Open and forming the North American hard court swing. Main draw action kicks off on Monday with plenty of exciting clashes on the schedule. This year’s Houston champion, Jenson Brooksby, will try to avenge his loss from this event’s 2022 edition to Yoshihito Nishioka, while Learner Tien takes on Emilio Nava in an all-American showdown. Who do you think will come out on top?
ATP Washington Day 1 Predictions
Benjamin Bonzi vs Fabian Marozsan
Head-to-head: First meeting
Benjamin Bonzi pulled off one of the shockers of the tournament when he eliminated Daniil Medvedev at Wimbledon, but it remains to be seen if his long-term form will also look much better now. It will be tough to estimate that with both players just starting their hard-court swing. On the one hand, Fabian Marozsan isn’t a very consistent player, but at least this year he’s been forcing his opponents to bring a strong level to beat him. Bonzi has to prove he’ll find it again, it’s not a given at all.
Prediction: Marozsan in 3
Mackenzie McDonald vs Colton Smith
Head-to-head: First meeting
Mackenzie McDonald made the final in Washington four years ago, losing a thrilling battle to Jannik Sinner. For now, that was basically the pinnacle of the 30-year-old’s career. Colton Smith is just at the start of his tennis road, especially as he’s still combining appearances in pro events with University of Arizona duties. While Smith has been on the rise this year, his performances in the qualifying looked extremely shaky. He’d need to take it up a notch to compete with McDonald here.
Prediction: McDonald in 3
Learner Tien vs Emilio Nava
Head-to-head: First meeting
All-California showdown, but since they’re four years apart it’s not like they were coming up against each other in juniors. Emilio Nava has had an excellent season so far with three Challenger titles, but now he’s looking for that extra gear that could get him into the Top 100. A win over Andrey Rublev in Los Cabos could have provided that last year, but he couldn’t convert a big lead. Learner Tien is back in his element on hard courts now and will probably grind him down with his tricky, lefty counter-punching.
Prediction: Tien in 3
Yoshihito Nishioka vs Jenson Brooksby
Head-to-head: Nishioka 2-0
Jenson Brooksby last played Washington back in 2022 and was eliminated in the opening round by Yoshihito Nishioka. Usually, when somebody can handle the American’s quirky game style, they tend to do well against him anytime they play. But this is a now-or-never opportunity for Brooksby to avenge his previous losses to Nishioka. After all, the Japanese hasn’t won a match since February and has been struggling with his health for months. Crowd support should be a helpful factor too.
Prediction: Brooksby in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
