The ATP 500 in Acapulco kicks off with an intense all-American matchup on Day 1. What do you expect from that match? What about the rest of the matches across the grounds? As always, we share our thoughts on the day with you. We split the day’s matches between three articles. In addition to this one, the other two feature Frances Tiafoe vs Yoshihito Nishioka and Ben Shelton vs Holger Rune. Who do you expect to advance?
ATP Acapulco Day 1 Predictions
Christopher Eubanks vs Feliciano Lopez
Lopez wants to enjoy his retirement tour, and some days his serve is as good as it ever was. He doesn’t have the all-around game to beat a talent like Eubanks, but the American hasn’t quite put everything together yet. If Lopez can keep holding serve, he might be able to pull off something special.
Prediction: Lopez in 2
Taro Daniel vs J.J. Wolf
He may have been aided by a favorable draw, but J.J. Wolf’s Australian Open run was nothing short of stunning. How can he back it up now, though? The American might get frustrated by someone as solid as Daniel, but I think he’ll play big enough to hit through the Japanese man.
Prediction: Wolf in 3
Taylor Fritz vs John Isner
Isner showed us in Dallas that he’s not yet ready to hang up the racket, but it’s getting more difficult for him to recover, both during and after matches. Fritz hasn’t yet learned how to consistently beat his elder countryman, and on these courts it’s just hard to pick against the Isner serve, even if Fritz is the better player.
Prediction: Isner in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports