The ATP Miami Open is set to start with a bang as 16 first-round matches are scheduled on day 1. This article features Gael Monfils and David Goffin alongside other exciting players. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate. But which players will advance?
ATP Miami Day 1 Predictions
Jaume Munar vs Arthur Rinderknech
Head-to-Head: Munar 0-1 Rinderknech
Jaume Munar is playing some of the best hardc ourt tennis of his life and just came short against Kei Nishikori in Indian Wells. He will look to avoid back-to-back losses and get a good win against Arthur Rinderknech, who is out of form. The Frenchman is on a four-match losing streak but fought well in his last two matches against Nuno Borges and Reilly Opelka. Despite the form, Rinderknech can be a dangerous player on his day and Munar must be careful to not get too passive. I sense a close match but I’m inclined towards the Spaniard.
Prediction: Munar in 3
Roberto Carballes Baena vs Christopher O’Connell
Head-to-Head: Carballes Baena 1-1 O’Connell
This is a rematch of this year’s Indian Wells first round where Christopher O’Connell prevailed in three sets. Roberto Carballes Baena has the opportunity to exact revenge but the conditions are worse for him in Miami. The courts play quicker here and with lower bounce compared to Indian Wells, giving the advantage to the Australian player. O’Connell also benefits from having played two qualifying matches, so he should be able to adjust to the conditions fast.
Prediction: O’Connell in 3
David Goffin vs Aleksandar Vukic
Head-to-Head: Goffin 0-1 Vukic
Aleksandar Vukic defeated David Goffin in his first match of the season and then had a promising Australian Open campaign. However, since then he has won just one match and is on a five-match losing streak in all competitions. This is a great opportunity for Goffin to take revenge and improve his ranking as he is not defending any points here. The Belgian is a former semifinalist at the Miami Open and should face little issues in adjusting to the conditions. I have him winning this match in three sets.
Prediction: Goffin in 3
Gael Monfils vs Fabian Marozsan
Head-to-Head: Monfils 0-1 Marozsan
This is one of the best first-round matches on paper and should have some great rallies and athleticism. Monfils is playing great tennis and is averaging career-best numbers behind his first and second serve. He will be eager to make another deep run and make the most of his form and confidence. Fabian Marozsan, on the other hand, is struggling for wins but has a knack for bringing his best tennis in Masters tournaments. He is defending quarterfinal points from last year and will drop down the rankings if he loses early. It can go either way but I can not go against the Frenchman’s current form.
Prediction: Monfils in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
