Round two at the Miami Masters wraps up on Saturday, when popular American Frances Tiafoe battles Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Indian Wells runner-up Holger Rune takes on big-serving American Reilly Opelka.
(16) Frances Tiafoe vs. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
It has been a season of underwhelming results so far for Frances Tiafoe in 2025. The No. 16 seed has won exactly one match at each tournament he has entered. Tiafoe had a first-round bye this week, so Saturday’s match against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina will be his first in Miami. The American comes in off a loss in Indian Wells to world No. 349 Yosuke Watanuki.
In contrast, Davidovich Fokina has had a great season. He made two finals in a row on North American hard courts (Delray Beach and Acapulco). And while he lost in the first round in Indian Wells, fatigue–not poor form–was the culprit. The Spaniard is ranked 39th in the world–a deceptive ranking, as he’s playing far better than that right now.
This is an excellent opportunity for Davidovich Fokina. Tiafoe is off the boil and he comes into Saturday’s match without a match on these courts. Look for the “upset” here.
Cheryl pick: Davidovich Fokina in 2
Ricky pick: Davidovich Fokina in 3
(11) Holger Rune vs. (PR) Reilly Opelka
This will be the first meeting between often controversial Dane Holger Rune and the sometimes controversial Reilly Opelka from the United States. It’s especially intriguing since a lawsuit, which singled Rune out for his participation in a Saudi Arabian exho called the Six Kings Slam, was brought against the ATP and other professional tennis organizations the night before Miami started. As it happens, Opelka– who is frequently an outspoken critic of various ATP decisions–is a plaintiff in the suit.
The PTPA, the Professional Tennis Players Association, is fighting for more fair prize money especially for lower-ranked players. Whether the tension spills over onto the court remains to be seen. The PTPA claims that they did not intend anything negative directed at Rune and have reached out to him, but no official statements have been issued from the Dane’s camp.
On a practical note, Rune is playing some truly spectacular tennis right now. He made an impressive run the the final of Indian Wells last week, when he eventually came up short to Jack Draper. Opelka is nearly seven feet tall and he wields one of the most damaging serves in all of tennis, so he is always a dangerous opponent. But with Rune’s form at the moment, the No. 11 seed should advance.
Cheryl pick: Rune in 3
Ricky pick: Opelka in 3
WWW?
Machac was BOTD
Tiafoe might put up a bit of resistance given he got upset early last year when he wanted to do well.
(repeat of prior post that never showed up)