Sunday offers a blockbuster lineup at the Miami Open, with Jannik Sinner taking on Grigor Dimitrov and American Tommy Paul battling the Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Spots in the last 16 of this Masters 1000 event are available.
(10) Jannik Sinner vs. (21) Grigor Dimitrov
Jannik Sinner has produced an outstanding start to the 2023 season. The world No. 11 nabbed the title in Montpellier back in February and he has made it to the business end of almost every event since–including a run to the final in Rotterdam and the semis in Indian Wells last week (lost to Carlos Alcaraz). Sinner had a routine win over Laslo Djere to earn his spot in the Miami third round.
Grigor Dimitrov had to work much harder than his Sunday opponent to advance to the third round. Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff pushed the Bulgarian to three tight sets before Dimitrov finally prevailed. The flashy veteran has endured a spotty start the year so far. He delivered a good run to the semifinals in Rotterdam, but other than that it was been just one or two match wins at a time.
Dimitrov defeated Sinner the only other time they played (the 2020 Rome Masters), but it was before Sinner became the top-10 player that he is today. Given the Italian’s form and his obvious comfort on hard courts, expect this one to go Sinner’s way.
Cheryl pick: Sinner in 3
Ricky pick: Sinner in 2
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(16) Tommy Paul vs. (20) Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
This one has the makings of (another) blockbuster. Tommy Paul and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina clashed on the hard courts of the Australian Open in January. The match went the distance, with Paul just edging the Spaniard 6-2, 2-6, 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-4.
Paul is having a good season. The American hasn’t won a title, but he got the final in Acapulco–where he lost to Alex de Minaur. It’s hard to say what might have happened if his semifinal against Taylor Fritz hadn’t lasted nearly three and a half hours. As it is, Paul dragged himself into the final with his gas tank on empty.
Davidovich Fokina was limping along a little bit this year, but he came on in Indian Wells by advancing to the the quarters–losing to Daniil Medvedev in straight sets. He defeated American Brandon Nakashima in the second round this week on the heels of an opening bye.
Paul is in the zone right now and he is also playing in front of the home crowd. It’s doubtful Davidovich Fokina will make it easy for the No. 16 seed; the fans may well be treated to a battle royale, but this one should go to Paul.
Cheryl pick: Paul in 3
Ricky pick: Davidovich Fokina in 3
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