Nick Kyrgios will begin his Acapulco title defense on Tuesday against Auckland champion Ugo Humbert. Speaking of title winners, Reilly Opelka will be back on the court just two days after triumphing in Delray Beach.
(6) Nick Kyrgios vs. Ugo Humbert
Kyrgios is back from a wrist injury for the first time since the Australian Open, just in time for a title defense at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel. The 23rd-ranked Australian, who reached the fourth round Down Under before losing to Rafael Nadal, was scheduled to play last week in Delray Beach before withdrawing. He instead plays for the first time in a month at a place where his 2019 run featured defeats of Andreas Seppi, Nadal, Stan Wawrinka, John Isner, and Alexander Zverev.
Up first for the No. 6 seed on Tuesday is a first-ever matchup with Humbert. The 43rd-ranked Frenchman is a stellar 9-4 at the ATP level this season with a title in Auckland and semifinal showing in Delray Beach. Even if Kyrgios is 100 percent physically, his rust combined with Humbert’s current form is a recipe for an upset.
Pick: Humbert in 3
[crowdsignal poll=10510462]
Reilly Opelka vs. Soonwoo Kwon
Opelka will be back on the court about 48 hours after capturing the second ATP title of his career in Delray Beach. It came a bit out of nowhere for the 6’11” American, who had previously been 1-3 for his 2020 campaign with a loss to world No. 131 Jason Jung in New York. But it also made sense because Opelka lives right near Delray Beach and generally does his best work anywhere at home in the United States.
Included in his run to the Delray Beach trophy was a 6-3, 6-4 win over Kwon, whom he faces again on Tuesday in Acapulco. This should be a better opportunity for the world No. 76 from South Korea, who has already earned five of his 15 career main-tour match victories this season. Look for the underdog to get enough balls back in play to take advantage of a fatigued opponent.
Pick: Kwon in 3
[crowdsignal poll=10510601]
WWW?
Opelka has WD, it’s now Kwon vs. LL Daniel.
Kyrgios will win if he plays, if he plays his wrist is fine, Humbert will be a challenge but not enough.
Opelka would likely have beaten Kwon again, he played really well last week.
Rest of Acapulco days picks: Norrie over Mannarino, Paul over McDonald, De Minaur over Kecmanovic, Wawrinka over Tiafoe, Giron over Lopez-V, Edmund over Lopez.
Santiago days picks: Cecchinato over Dellian, Bagnis over Seyboth, Munar over Carballes, Taberner over Barrios.
Nick in 2;….Kwon in 2…revenge!