Miami R3 previews and predictions: Dimitrov vs. Nakashima, Ruud vs. Cerundolo

Grigor Dimitrov and Brandon Nakashima look to take advantage of a wide-open section of the Miami draw with a shot at the round of 16. Casper Ruud and Francisco Cerundolo are also in action on Tuesday.

(14) Grigor Dimitrov vs. (31) Brandon Nakashima

This is an excellent opportunity for the players in this section of the Miami Open draw. This was Carlos Alcaraz’s quarter, but the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion crashed out in his first match against David Goffin. Enter Grigor Dimitrov and Brandon Nakashima, who will face either Casper Ruud or Francisco Cerundolo in the fourth round.

Dimitrov and Nakashima haven’t played each other since 2022; they split their two previous matches with one win each. Both men come into this tournament off round of 16 showings in Indian Wells, although Dimitrov was dismantled by Alcaraz at that stage. Dimitrov had a tight second-round match against Karen Khachaov, while Nakashima earned his spot in the third round with a victory over Alcaraz vanquisher Goffin. This is another match that has the chance to be a surprise barnburner. Dimitrov probably has the edge, as he has more experience on big stages, but it’s not a slam dunk for the Bulgarian. Nakashima will be playing in front of the home crowd, and both men will be well aware that the winner will have chances at the quarters.

Cheryl pick: Dimitrov in 3

Ricky pick: Dimitrov in 2

(5) Casper Ruud vs. (23) Francisco Cerundolo

Ruud and Cerundolo will be squaring off for the eighth time in their careers on Tuesday. Cerundolo leads the head-to-head series 4-3 and has won their last two meeting on hard courts, albeit both indoors. While both players are at their best on clay, Cerundolo would definitely prefer to face Ruud on a hard court. As a result, this is a great opportunity for the Argentine–especially given how well he is playing right now. Cerundolo has already won 15 matches in 2025 after beating Tommy Paul 6-2, 7-6(4) on Sunday. And it was no fluke; the world No. 24 was by far the better play from start to finish even though the second set was competitive.

Aside from reaching the final at an unspectacular ATP 500 in Dallas (where he did not defeat anyone ranked high than No. 64), Ruud has not done much this season. Miami wins over Miomir Kecmanovic and Alejandro Tabilo were decent but nothing special. This match will be on Cerundolo’s racket, which is not always good news for him because he can sometimes go for too much and go off the rails. At the moment, though, everything is clicking for the 23rd seed.

Pick: Cerundolo in 2