It’s time to wrap up the opening round of the ATP Miami Open, which has sixteen men’s matches on the schedule. Felix Auger-Aliassime was the semifinalist at this event in 2019 and could really use a strong run right now. With Adam Walton being his first opponent this week, who do you think will advance?
ATP Miami Day 2 Predictions
Emilio Nava vs Roberto Bautista Agut
Head-to-head: First meeting
Emilio Nava avenged his Phoenix defeat to Quentin Halys in the qualifying here before defeating Yoshihito Nishioka to make the main draw. The American is slowly ironing out some of his weaknesses and has to be treating this match as a big opportunity. Roberto Bautista Agut is usually just a shadow of his former self these days, especially with the physical decline hitting him quite hard. This all-qualifier clash sounds tight; let’s grant a small edge to the player who’s more explosive at the moment.
Prediction: Nava in 3
Roman Safiullin vs Diego Schwartzman
Head-to-head: First meeting
Qualifying for this event is a massive feat for Diego Schwartzman, who was on a bad losing streak with just one win this season (over the World No. 658). Can he keep going and start saving his career? Roman Safiullin is not doing so hot anymore either, but he’s still been losing to quality opposition for the most part. If the Russian can regain some of his late 2023 form, he has the tools to use the conditions in Miami to his advantage and dominate the baseline against Schwartzman.
Prediction: Safiullin in 3
Alejandro Tabilo vs Brandon Nakashima
Head-to-head: First meeting
Brandon Nakashima was almost out of the event in the first round of the qualifying, but somehow managed to produce a comeback against Michael Mmoh. He’s trying to make his way back to the main circuit after all the recent Challenger success and for now, things are looking fine for the 22-year-old. While he didn’t look great in the win over Mmoh, it could be just a one-off and he still should be the favorite on hard courts over Alejandro Tabilo.
Prediction: Nakashima in 2
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Adam Walton
Head-to-head: First meeting
Adam Walton was the fighter of the qualifying bunch here, surviving both Thiago Monteiro and Pedro Martinez from a set down. The Australian is a pretty good prospect, although it remains to be seen if his weapons will be able to hurt main tour opponents. The quality of the competition rises a lot for him here, even with Felix Auger-Aliassime no longer being part of the elite of the sport, per se. If he’s there with the level, the Canadian won’t struggle too much in this one.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA Today
