Nick Kyrgios, despite retiring with an injury at the BNP Paribas Open, plans to take to the court on the first day of action at the ATP Miami Open. He will face the American Mackenzie McDonald in the opening round. As always, we here at LWOT predict all the ATP action taking place, including Alexander Bublik vs Sebastian Baez, Gael Monfils vs Fabian Marozsan, and Aleksandar Kovacevic vs Miomir Kecmanovic.
ATP Miami Day 1 Predictions
Ethan Quinn vs Tristan Schoolkate
Head-to-head: Quinn 2-1 Schoolkate
Quinn has been in good form lately. He has reached three ATP main draws from qualifying and one Challenger semifinal in his last four tournaments. The American also defeated Schoolkate in the qualifying for the BNP Paribas Open earlier this month. Although Schookate played well to reach the main draw in Miami, Quinn’s recent level would almost certainly be good enough to beat him.
Prediction: Quinn in 2
Brandon Holt vs Camilo Ugo Carabelli
Head-to-head: First meeting
Holt won a Challenger tournament in India a few weeks ago but lost his first two matches since returning to the U.S. before coming through the qualifying in Miami. This matchup is a great chance for him to get an ATP main draw win. Although Carabelli is higher ranked, he is a clay court specialist who usually struggles when not playing on the dirt. Holt’s powerful groundstrokes are likely to trouble him.
Prediction: Holt in 2
Thiago Seyboth Wild vs Quentin Halys
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both men reached the second round at the BNP Paribas Open. Seyboth Wild’s level often fluctuates wildly, making predicting his matches challenging. The Brazilian’s preference for clay courts means the higher-bouncing courts in Indian Wells suited him more than the ones in Miami. Halys might thrive more in the conditions in Florida, making him a slight favorite.
Prediction: Halys in 3
Nick Kyrgios vs Mackenzie McDonald
Head-to-head: Kyrgios 1-1 McDonald
Whether Kyrgios can get through an entire match right now is uncertain. McDonald, who had injury issues last year, has been playing well lately, finishing as the runner-up at a Challenger event and winning a match in Indian Wells at his previous two tournaments. He also has a physical playing style that might not suit Kyrgios’ ailing wrist, which seems to break down after hitting several groundstrokes during a match.
Prediction: McDonald in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
