The action will heat up Tuesday at the 2026 Citi Open in Washington, D.C., and there are 10 matches on the order of play in the ATP 500 men’s draw. LWOT has all the predictions for the first week of the North American hard court swing, with this set of predictions featuring Ben Shelton.
ATP Washington Day 2 Predictions
Arthur Fils vs Rafael Jodar
Head-to-head: Fils 1-0
Fils hasn’t stepped on court since a tough second-round loss at Wimbledon, as court time has been a major issue for the up-and-comer. Facing injuries throughout 2026, the Frenchman could use some consistent matches to boost his US Open chances. Jodar is a tough first round opponent for the No. 8 seed, and as both crush the ball from the baseline, unforced errors and key misses may be the ultimate factor. The Frenchman had a fantastic hard court swing earlier in 2026, and if he’s healthy, I think he’ll win in two very close sets.
Prediction: Fils in 2
Adrian Mannarino vs Learner Tien
Head-to-head: First meeting
This match will be another all-lefty battle, though Tien has been on a rapid rise to the top throughout 2026, while Mannarino has largely struggled. The American is 5-4 on home soil in 2026, with some surprising upsets and losses to tough players, including Jannik Sinner, so this will be an interesting tournament for fans to gauge his level. Mannarino’s groundstrokes can trouble any opponent on a good day, so the American will have to serve well and dictate the points early on.
Prediction: Tien in 2
Martin Damm vs Ben Shelton
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both players have heavy lefty serves and power from the baseline. Shelton, however, will face a lot more pressure in this encounter as the higher seed. Poor losses at the French Open and Wimbledon mean this hard-court swing is crucial for the American, and the No. 2 seed can’t get off to a slow start against another player with power. Shelton is 4-1 against fellow lefty players on tour, and he should have the mental edge late in each set. Expect a tiebreaker (or two) in this one.
Prediction: Shelton in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
