Miami Open: Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Brandon Nakashima clash in the second round, while Denmark’s Holger Rune takes on Marton Fucsovics.
(20) Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs. Brandon Nakashima
Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina will look to build on his quarterfinal result last week in Indian Wells when he kicks off his Miami Open bid on Friday against American Brandon Nakashima. As it happens, Nakashima was the Spaniard’s first opponent of 2023. The two men met in the first round at the Australian Open tune-up in Adelaide, were Davidovich Fokina won in straight sets.
Nakashima is still looking to right the ship in this 2023 season. The 21 year-old is a dismal 3-4 on the year, with his second win coming just last week over compatriot John Isner. Nakashima had his breakout season in 2022. He won his first tour-level title in San Diego and took home the NextGen ATP Finals trophy to cap off his season. He hasn’t been able to find the same magic so far in 2023.
The surface should favor Nakashima on paper. The American prefers quick hard courts, while Davidovich Fokina is a more traditional clay-courter. In this case however, Nakashima’s current struggles will likely neutralize the benefit of playing on hard courts in front of the home crowd.
Cheryl pick: Davidovich Fokina in 2
Ricky pick: Davidovich Fokina in 2
(7) Holger Rune vs. Marton Fucsovics
This will be the first meeting between Denmark’s Holger Rune and Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics. Rune burst onto the scene in 2022 and went on an impressive tear at the end of the season. The Dane snagged titles in Munich and Stockholm, followed by a shock win over Novak Djokovic to capture the title at the Paris Masters.
His 2023 season hasn’t been quite as impressive so far. He has no titles and his best result came in Acapulco, where he made the semifinals. Rune was upset in the third round of Indian Wells last week by an inspired Stan Wawrinka.
Until his run to the fourth round of Indian Wells, Fucsovics had only won three matches this season. The Hungarian’s ranking sits at 74th in the world. The 31 year-old veteran played well in California last week, with a win over Acapulco champion Alex de Minaur, but generally the 2023 season has been rather dismal for Fucsovics. Expect this one to go to Rune.
Cheryl pick: Rune in 2
Ricky pick: Fucsovics in 3
WWW?
I’ll take Naka in a close 3….and Fucs looked pretty awesome to me out in IW….but Rune will wear him down….in 3.
Naka and Fucs in three