Frances Tiafoe will look to bounce back against Lorenzo Sonego on Monday following a tough second-round test in Miami. Felix Auger-Aliassime will be in third-round action against Francisco Cerundolo.
(12) Frances Tiafoe vs. Lorenzo Sonego
American Frances Tiafoe very nearly found himself out of the Miami Open. The world No. 14 was down a set and a break to Japan’s Yosuke Watanuki in the second round before staging a comeback. Tiafoe played well in Indian Wells, where he made the semifinals, but he was somewhat out of sorts in his first match in Miami. Whether it was simply an adjustment to court conditions or if he’s fatigued from his run in Indian Wells remains to be seen.
Lorenzo Sonego has not enjoyed good start to the year. The Italian was a disappointing 5-8 on the season coming into Miami. His best result came in Dubai a few weeks ago, when he made the quarterfinals–but he crashed out of Indian Wells in the first round. Sonego defeated struggling Austrian Dominic Thiem and British veteran Dan Evans to earn his spot in the Miami third round.
Despite his difficulties against Watanuki, Tiafoe should advance. He will have the firm support of the crowd and he is on his favorite surface.
Cheryl pick: Tiafoe in 2
Ricky pick: Tiafoe in 2
(5) Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. (25) Francisco Cerundolo
Felix Auger-Aliassime and Francisco Cerundolo have run into each other twice already in 2023. The two men first met at the Australian Open. The Argentine, who prefers to spend his time on clay courts, actually managed to take a set in Melbourne, although Auger-Aliassime prevailed in four. They squared off again earlier this month in Indian Wells, where Canadian prevailed in straight sets.
There is always an enthusiastic Argentine contingent at the Miami Open, so Cerundolo should have a vocal support section. Still, the quicker Miami courts will not necessarily be to Cerundolo’s liking; they will rob him of time against a power player like Auger-Aliassime. Expect this one to go the favorite’s way–probably in two sets.
Cheryl pick: Auger-Aliassime in 2
Ricky pick: Auger-Aliassime in 2
Agree with Cheryl. Tiafoe in 2 and FAA in 2.
WWW?
FAA is so untrustworthy I can never back him until he start to show consistency. Tiafoe in 2
FAA in 3/ over games
I agree with your comment regarding FAA. He never seems to make things easy on himself. Cerundolo played very well at this location last year, has a solid forehand (when it’s on) and beat a decent player in Kovacevic (although fatigue is a legit excuse). I expect FAA to win here, but wouldn’t be overly shocked if Cerundolo pulled this out
Sonego is pretty tough….but Tiafoe in 3; AA in 2.