Miami R1 previews and predictions: Evans vs. Sonego, Monfils vs. Lajovic

First-round competition at the Miami Masters wraps up on Thursday, when Gael Monfils and Lorenzo Sonego take the court. Monfils kicks off his campaign against Dusan Lajovic, while Sonego faces familiar foe Dan Evans.

Lorenzo Sonego vs. Dan Evans

Evans and Sonego will be going head-to-head for the fourth time in their careers when they clash in round one of the Miami Open on Thursday. All three of their previous encounters have gone Sonego’s way; in two sets at the 2020 Vienna event, in three sets at this same Miami tournament last year (in the second round), and in four sets at the Australian Open just two months ago.

Based on current form, there is little reason to think that Evans will turn the tide. The 43rd-ranked Brit is a horrendous 2-6 this season, including 1-6 in his last seven matches. Sonego is also far from his best at the moment, but he has at least managed to win a match in four of his six appearances during this 2024 campaign. The 53rd-ranked Italian also pushed Carlos Alcaraz to a fourth-set tiebreaker at the Aussie Open and took a set off Daniil Medvedev in Dubai. Sonego will likely once again have the edge over Evans.

Pick: Sonego in 3

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Dusan Lajovic vs. Gael Monfils

Even at 37 years old, Monfils–when healthy–is one of the most talented players in the world. The Frenchman has a rare clean bill of health right now and is making the most of it. He reached the semifinals in Doha and is coming off a fourth-round performance at the Indian Wells Masters (upset Hubert Hurkacz before losing to Casper Ruud in a three-setter).

Up first for Monfils in Miami is Lajovic, who has lost both of their previous meetings in straight sets (at the 2018 Buenos Aires ATP 250 and three years later at the Cincinnati Masters). Lajovic is in decent enough form right now but as usual spent his February on clay and is just 3-4 on hard courts this year. On this surface Monfils should not have much trouble booking a spot in round two.

Pick: Monfils in 2

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