Following a waterlogged Friday in Miami, the Miami Masters will try to wrap up the second round on Saturday. Hubert Hurkacz will be in action against Alexander Shevchenko, while French veteran Gael Monfils battles Aussie Jordan Thompson.
(8) Hubert Hurkacz vs. Alexander Shevchenko
Hubert Hurkacz plays some of his best tennis of the year on the slick, low-bouncing courts at the Miami Masters. The 27-year-old didn’t fare well last year with his third-round upset loss at the hands of Adrian Mannarino. But he won the title in 2021 and made the semis in 2022. More good news for the Pole is that he already played opponent Alexander Shevchenko in 2024–and gave him a proper shellacking.
Shevchenko, the world No. 58 from Kazakhstan, often seems to be teetering on the edge of a massive breakthrough only to slip back to inconsistency. He was an anemic 8-9 on the season goming into Miami. Shevchenko had an epic battle in the first round against Colombia’s Daniel Elahi Galan to earn his spot in the last 64. Unfortunately, a player of Hurkacz’s caliber probably spells another early exit for Shevchenko.
Cheryl pick: Hurkacz in 2
Ricky pick: Hurkacz in 2
Gael Monfils vs. (33) Jordan Thompson
France’s Gael Monfils is having himself a bit of renaissance in the twilight of his career. The-37 year-old has posted some good results in 2024 already, including a semifinal showing in Doha and a round of 16 finish last week in Indian Wells. Monfils’ ranking is still sitting at a 47th in the world, but his level has been much higher than that in recent months.
Australia’s Jordan Thomson has similarly been in notably fine form of late. The world No. 34 came somewhat out of nowhere to snag the title in Los Cabos in February. He played miserably in Indian Wells with a first-round ouster at the hands of Juncheng Shang. This will be Thompson’s first match in Miami, as he benefitted from a first-round bye.
Monfils should have the edge in this one. He is playing well, plus he is popular and will undoubtedly have the full support of an appreciative Miami crowd.
Cheryl pick: Monfils in 3
Ricky pick: Monfils in 2
WWW?