4. Raphael Collignon vs Grigor Dimitrov
Both Raphael Collignon and Grigor Dimitrov had a rough draw in Indian Wells, with Collignon unable to overcome Fonseca in the first round and Dimitrov falling to Alcaraz in the second round. A relatively softer draw gives both a chance for a solid Miami run, but this match will be a tough one for either to win. Collignon doesn’t have much main-draw experience, but his upset over Ruud at the US Open showed the level he can play at. Dimitrov has always played good tennis in Miami and looks to be getting back into form, but Collignon is far from an easy out. In the second round, the winner will play Flavio Cobolli.
5. Alexandre Muller vs Matteo Berrettini
Both Alexandre Muller and Matteo Berrettini have struggled with injuries recently and are trying to climb back up the rankings. Berrettini hasn’t had the best start to the season, missing the Australian Open and playing a lackluster Golden Swing, but he had a solid albeit short showing at Indian Wells. Last year in Miami, Berrettini played one of the best matches of the year in his quarterfinal against Fritz and showed that he can be a contender on this surface. Muller hasn’t played since the Australian Open, but last season he proved that he can bring it to top competition. Only one will be able to continue their comeback here, though, and the winner will go up against Alexander Bublik in the second round.
6. Kamil Majchrzak vs Miomir Kecmanovic
Coming off of two extremely close losses in a row to Cobolli, Miomir Kecmanovic will be hoping to take advantage of a different set of opponents in his Miami draw. One of Kecmanovic’s best-ever matches came in Miami (against Alcaraz in 2022), but Kamil Majchrzak is by no means an easy opponent. Majchrzak has been steadily improving since climbing up the rankings last year, and in Indian Wells he took Novak Djokovic to the brink. Majchrzak also showed his return prowess in Indian Wells when he came back from a break deficit against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, which could cause serious trouble for Kecmanovic. The winner of this match will face Learner Tien in the second round.
Main Photo Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
