World No. 10 Taylor Fritz gets his ATP Washington Mubadala DC Open campaign underway in a tough opening match against fast-improving Zizou Bergs. Former champion Kei Nishikori was handed a main draw wild card and will be in action on Day 1. Who will progress?
ATP Washington Day 1 Predictions
Lorenzo Musetti vs Matteo Arnaldi
Head-to-head: Musetti 4-0 Arnaldi
Musetti’s only visit to this tournament came last year. It was a short-lived experience as he crashed out in his opening match. By contrast, Arnaldi won a couple of matches on his debut last season before losing to Fritz in the round of 16. It’s been over two months since Musetti last competed at Tour level. Tests revealed that his injury was much more serious than the initial diagnosis, and he missed two Grand Slams. After weeks away from competition, it may take him a tournament or two to hit peak level, and I think Arnaldi’s superior match sharpness should help him to break his duck in this matchup.
Prediction: Arnaldi in 3
Kei Nishikori vs Juncheng Shang
Head-to-head: Nishikori 2-1 Shang
This is an intriguing battle, as both players return from long layoffs. That only adds to the uncertainty. However, we now know Kei Nishikori will retire at the end of the season, and throughout his career, the Japanese star has played his best tennis on American soil. This is his first trip to ATP Washington since 2021. He famously won the title in 2015 by taking out the big-serving trio of Sam Groth, Marin Cilic and John Isner. This could be scrappy with both players likely searching for rhythm, but Nishikori’s quality of return remains as impressive as ever.
Prediction: Nishikori in 3
Taylor Fritz vs Zizou Bergs
Head-to-head: Fritz 1-0 Bergs
Fritz left Wimbledon worse off in the rankings. He fell three places to 10th spot in the ATP rankings, but a good week at ATP Washington, D.C., could see him overtake Ben Shelton. Bergs built a reputation as a dangerous floater in the draws, but he’s now a genuine contender at this level. He ended his wait for an ATP title in Eastbourne, which was famously Fritz’s happy hunting ground. Fritz’s knee problems resurfaced in his quarterfinal defeat to Zverev at SW19, but he’s learned to manage it for a few years now. The three-week window gives ample time to be in better shape physically.
Prediction: Fritz in 3
Main Photo Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
