The top seeds make their first appearance in Miami on Friday, with Andrey Rublev battling the tough Czech Tomas Machac. American upstart Alex Michelsen will also be in second-round action against Tallon Griekspoor.
(5) Andrey Rublev vs. Tomas Machac
Tomas Machac is surely not the second-round opponent Andrey Rublev wanted to see on the draw. Not only is the Czech playing well right now–better than his No. 60 ranking would suggest–but Rublev legitimately looked terrible in Indian Wells. The Russian fizzled out against Jiri Lehecka in the third round.
The surfaces in Indian Wells and Miami are only similar insofar as they are both technically hard courts, so it wouldn’t be wise to assume that poor play in the desert will translate to poor play in Miami. Still, Rublev didn’t exactly put up a fight against Lehecka. Look for the world No. 6 to rebound before the tour heads to the clay courts of Europe, but this could be closer than rankings suggest.
Cheryl pick: Rublev in 3
Ricky pick: Rublev in 2
Alex Michelsen vs. Tallon Griekspoor
Teenager Alex Michelsen is the next in a line of new talent bubbling up from a newly energized pool of young American players. The 19-year-old is up to a career high of No. 73 in the world, a ranking that will skyrocket since Michelsen has only played a handful of matches and tournaments and thus has no ranking points to defend. He beat qualifier Lukas Klein to earn his spot in the second round.
Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor has never played Michelsen, hardly surprising since the youngster is still pretty new on tour. Griekspoor made an impressive run to the semifinals in Rotterdam, but that was at his home event. Other results in 2024 for the world No. 26 have been less impressive.
Michelsen will have a shot at the upset. He is playing at home on his most comfortable surface and he has proven that his star is on the rise.
Cheryl pick: Michelsen in 3
Ricky pick: Griekspoor in 3
WWW?
Gpoor in a hard fought 2