With the ATP main draw in Miami set to get underway on Wednesday, six first-round matches stand out:
1. Fabian Marozsan vs Joao Fonseca
Joao Fonseca’s highly anticipated return to Miami will kick off with a clash against Fabian Marozsan in front of what will surely be a raucous crowd. Fonseca is the favorite even without the crowd support, considering his stellar Indian Wells run. Marozsan hasn’t had many wins lately, but he tends to bring out his best tennis unexpectedly, and this could easily be one of those moments. The winner will have an eye-catching second-round match against Carlos Alcaraz.
2. Ethan Quinn vs Hubert Hurkacz
This matchup looks a little familiar, as Ethan Quinn and Hubert Hurkacz just faced off at the Australian Open, where Quinn won in straight sets. This year, Quinn is starting to become a Tour mainstay, and he just picked up a title at the Phoenix Challenger, one of the highest-level Challenger-level tournaments. Despite Quinn’s recent form and head-to-head advantage, Hurkacz can’t be counted out. Hurkacz is a former Miami champion and can always blank an opponent with his serve. Tiebreaks are to be expected in this match, and serve quality may be the deciding factor. In the second round, the winner will take on Casper Ruud.
3. Denis Shapovalov vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Denis Shapovalov and Botic van de Zandschulp couldn’t be more opposite in temperament, but both have a tendency for chaotic early-round matches. While van de Zandschulp has a more consistent level, Shapovalov’s peaks are higher—the question with him, as always, is if he can maintain that. This match could have a lot of ups-and-downs, and it’s hard to see this being straightforward for either player. Whoever comes out on top will play Taylor Fritz in the second round.
