There is a very exciting schedule of day 1 matches at the Miami Open. 2021 Wimbledon semifinalist Denis Shapovalov’s match is one of four predicted in this article. As always, we at LWOT predict all the Day 1 ATP matches at the Miami Open, split betwee three other articles. They feature Jack Draper vs Taro Daniel, Arthur Fils vs Matteo Arnaldi, and Andy Murray vs Matteo Berrettini.. Which players do you think will progress to the second round?
ATP Miami Day 1 Predictions
Flavio Cobolli vs Yoshihito Nishioka
Head-to-head: Nishioka 1-0 Cobolli
This is an interesting matchup. Cobolli has enjoyed the better season so far, with his Japanese opponent mostly struggling during 2024. However, one of Nishioka’s ATP main-draw victories this season was a 6-1 6-0 thrashing of Cobolli at the Los Cabos Open. Although conditions in Los Cabos and Miami are not identical, both are relatively slow hard courts. It is very difficult to foresee Cobolli losing by such a heavy margin again, but that previous thrashing indicates that his game does not suit Nishioka’s consistent style on a hard court. Nishioka to beat Cobolli again.
Prediction: Nishioka in 3
Botic van de Zandschulp vs Rinky Hijikata
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both players have struggled for victories so far this season. Van de Zandschulp has been quite unfortunate with draws this year, such as drawing Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner in the first round in Melbourne and then again in Rotterdam. Each player will view this as a great opportunity to get a Masters 1000 win, but van de Zandschulp is the favorite do it. The Dutchman’s tennis has deserved better than his results so far this season. If he replicates some of that level against Hijikata, it is likely to be good enough to beat the Australian right now.
Prediction: van de Zandschulp in 2
Marcos Giron vs Dominik Koepfer
Head-to-head: Giron 2-2 Koepfer
Giron is looking to regain the form he had a few weeks ago, when he reached the final in Dallas and the semifinal in Delray Beach. He has comprehensively lost his last two matches to Casper Ruud and Thanasi Kokkinakis. Nearly two weeks off since to refresh mentally may have been a good thing for the American. Kopfer has played good tennis in 2024, including quarterfinal runs in Delray Beach and Acapulco. In slow American conditions, Giron’s consistency and athleticism should have the edge, but only if he is better than his last two matches.
Prediction: Giron in 3
Denis Shapovalov vs Luciano Darderi
Head-to-head: First meeting
It feels like Shapovalov is on the edge of getting back near his best after returning from a knee injury this season. He has spells of quality tennis in all his matches, but the Canadian is not currently sustaining it over three sets. That is why Shapovalov is 0-4 in contests that have gone to a deciding set so far this year. Darderi did not play in Indian Wells and this is set to be his first hard court match since the Australian Open. It is unlikely that the Cordoba champion will adapt quickly enough to beat Shapovalov on a surface that does not suit him as well as clay.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
