The final ATP event ahead of the 2025 US Open kicks off on Sunday in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with 48 men looking to emerge victorious in a draw with no top 25 players. Day 1 features some intriguing first-round matches, including an all-American encounter between Mackenzie McDonald and Brandon Holt. As always, LWOT previews and predictions every match on the slate. But who will advance?
ATP Winston-Salem Day 1 Predictions
Nicolas Jarry vs Kamil Majchrzak
Head-to-Head: Jarry 0-1 Majchrzak
Nicolas Jarry has had a far fall from grace since his career high ranking of No. 16 last summer. Outside of a run to the Wimbledon third round, the Chilean has had an incredibly quiet year. Majchrzak also had a great run at SW19, making the second week. He is coming off a Challenger title and should see an opportunity to make a run at ATP Winston-Salem. I expect a close battle, but give the slight nod to the in-form player.
Prediction: Majchrzak in 3
Botic van de Zandschulp vs Adam Walton
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Botic van de Zandschulp and Adam Walton have identical ATP records this season: 9-13. We know what the Dutchman can do on hard courts. However, this is also Adam Walton’s best surface. van de Zandschulp hasn’t played in a few weeks, and Walton is coming off a win over Daniil Medvedev in Cincinnati. For that reason, I’ll ride with the Aussie.
Prediction: Walton in 3
Sebastian Ofner vs Vit Kopriva
Head-to-Head: Ofner 1-1 Kopriva
Vit Kopriva is just 2-6 in ATP hard court matches in his career. Will his fortunes change at ATP Winston-Salem? I think he has a good chance against Sebastian Ofner, who comes to North Carolina on a five-match losing streak. This match is tough to predict, with no elite weapons on either side. I give the slight edge to Kopriva, who has some semblance of confidence at the moment.
Prediction: Kopriva in 3
Mackenzie McDonald vs Brandon Holt
Head-to-Head: McDonald 1-0 Holt
Brandon Holt has slowly been climbing up the rankings over the last 18 months. He broke into the top 100 earlier this summer, but most of that damage has come on the Challenger Tour. McDonald has been inconsistent this year, but he has the chops to make a run at this 250. Expect a fun encounter between the compatriots, but I’ll side with the elder American.
Prediction: McDonald in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
