The ATP Tour heads to Dallas, Texas, for the second consecutive year as the Styslinger/Altec Tennis Complex on the campus of Southern Methodist University hosts this 250-level event. The Dallas Open is the only ATP Tour indoor tournament in the United States. On day three, we wrap up the first round and begin second round action. Americans Frances Tiafoe and Mackenzie McDonald square off for a spot in the Dallas Open quarterfinals. But who will advance?
ATP Dallas Day 3 Predictions
Taro Daniel vs Emilio Gomez
Head-to-Head: Daniel 1-0 Gomez
Taro Daniel and Emilio Gomez square off with a chance to reach the second round at the Dallas Open. Both players are ranked outside the top 100 and should savor this opportunity. Daniel notched a win in Melbourne and has generally been consistent against lower-ranked opponents. Gomez was a Challenger ringer in 2022, reaching six finals and winning two. I expect these two to play a very tightly contested match, but I favor Daniel’s ability on the hard court.
Prediction: Daniel in 3
Oscar Otte vs Christopher Eubanks
Head-to-Head: first meeting
29-year-old German Oscar Otte is in the middle of a six-month slump that has seen him post a 6-19 record over that span. He takes on American Christopher Eubanks in a first-round battle in Dallas. Eubanks had a fruitful Challenger-level season in 2022 and is now looking to focus on Tour-level events. He has a massive serve that is a great equalizer against any opponent he faces. That weapon will be the difference in a match I expect to feature a tiebreak or two.
Prediction: Eubanks in 3
Frances Tiafoe vs Mackenzie McDonald
Head-to-Head: Tiafoe 2-4 McDonald
Americans Frances Tiafoe and Mackenzie McDonald will square off for the first time since 2019. McDonald holds the 4-2 head-to-head advantage, with three of those wins coming at the Challenger level. The UCLA product is coming off a career-best win over Rafael Nadal in Melbourne. He has improved his consistency mightily over the past 18 months. That said, Tiafoe will come ready to put on a show in front of the home crowd. He has won seven of his eight matches this season and is one of the favorites to win this event.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
