Four first-round matches are scheduled on day 2 of the ATP Dallas Open and each one is worth watching. This article features #2 seed Casper Ruud alongside five American players. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate for day 2. But who will advance?
ATP Dallas Day 2 Predictions
Alex Michelson vs Cameron Norrie
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Cameron Norrie is participating at the Dallas Open for the first time and will be looking to end his three-match losing streak on the tour. However, it would be a tall order against the 20-year-old Alex Michelsen, who has been one of the most consistent performers over the last year. Michelsen had a wonderful run at the Australian Open and could be a dark horse to win the tournament this week.
Prediction: Michelsen in 3
Ben Shelton vs Aleksandar Vukic
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Last year’s semifinalist Ben Shelton is in great form and is one of the favourites to lift the trophy this week. Playing on home soil will be another massive boost for Shelton. Aleksandar Vukic is in the main draw of the Dallas Open for the first time and has played some good matches this season. His serve is good enough to hang with Shelton but how composed and clutch he stays on big points would be key. Shelton has a slight advantage of raising his game when it matters the most.
Prediction: Shelton in 3
Tommy Paul vs Jenson Brooksby
Head-to-Head: Paul 2-0 Brooksby
Defending champion Tommy Paul will start his campaign against fellow American Jenson Brooksby, who is playing just his third match since his comeback. Brooksby has been unlucky with the draw this season and does not appear to be in good enough form to beat a solid player like Tommy Paul this early in his comeback. This is Paul’s first match as a top-10 player and he should win this comfortably.
Prediction: Paul in 2
Casper Ruud vs Marcos Giron
Head-to-Head: Ruud 2-1 Giron
Casper Ruud has lost just one match this season and looked solid at the Davis Cup last week. Ruud is making his debut here and will look to get off to a good start. Marcos Giron is a good player on indoor hard courts and has a great record at the Dallas Open. Giron is the finalist from last year and has a 9-3 record at this event. Ruud has won two of their three encounters, including the most recent. However, I believe this will be a close contest that could go any way. Ruud can be vulnerable on indoor courts but Giron will need to serve extremely well to pull off the upset.
Prediction: Ruud in 3
