It is Day 1 in the American capital as the North American hard-court swing officially gets underway. Washington is hosting both ATP and WTA events, and this article will focus on three first-round matches on the ATP side. As always, we here at LWOT will be breaking down and predicting each encounter for you, but who do you think will advance to the next round?
ATP Washington Day 1 Predictions
Alejandro Tabilo vs Tallon Griekspoor
Head-to-head: First meeting
Although both of these players are primarily baseliners, they possess distinct weapons that make them dangerous. For Tallon Griekspoor, it is his serve and fluid forehand that do most of the damage, while Alejandro Tabilo relies more on his court coverage and ability to make one extra ball. On a hard court that is expected to play on the faster side, each player’s serving performance will be crucial. While I do think Tabilo can at least match his opponent from the baseline, the difference in serving potency gives Griekspoor the edge.
Prediction: Griekspoor in 3
Aleksandar Vukic vs Zachary Svajda
Head-to-head: First meeting
Despite this being their first meeting in an ATP Tour main draw match, Aleksandar Vukic and Zachary Svajda have faced each other five times in Challenger and qualifying events, with the American winning four of those encounters. A key reason for that success is that while Vukic is an aggressive player who relies heavily on his first serve, Svajda not only counterpunches effectively from the baseline but also possesses a reliable serve of his own. If the American stays confident off his forehand and has no lingering physical issues following the injury that forced him to withdraw from his second qualifying match, he should advance in front of a home crowd.
Prediction: Svajda in 3
Frances Tiafoe vs Terence Atmane
Head-to-head: Tiafoe 3-0 Atmane
Both of these players rely on clean ball striking and big serves, with Terence Atmane using his left-handed angles while Frances Tiafoe leans on his heavy forehand and flat backhand combination to great effect. Tiafoe is known to raise his level during the North American hard-court swing, and if he does so again in a matchup where he has already enjoyed plenty of success, it will be difficult to see the American not coming through on the back of his powerful serve and opportunistic returning.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 3
Main Image Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
