By Ricky Dimon
Reilly Opelka will start his week as the highest seed in Atlanta when he follows up a first-round bye with a matchup towards Ilya Ivashka on Wednesday night time. Earlier within the day 2021 runner-up Brandon Nakashima will battle John Millman.
Listed below are my previews and picks for the 2 matchups.
(1) Reilly Opelka vs. Ilya Ivashka
Opelka is the No. 1 seed on the Atlanta Open, however he can’t be thought-about the title favourite primarily based on present type. The 6’11” American is simply 3-8 in his final 11 matches since triumphing on the crimson clay of Houston in April. Though a return to U.S. exhausting courts ought to profit him, Opelka has by no means superior previous the semifinals in Atlanta.
Up first for the world No. 17 on Wednesday night time is Ivashka, who’s well-rested after being banned from Wimbledon as a Belarusian. The 28-year-old is taking part in with confidence in the intervening time; this marks the sixth straight occasion at which Ivashka has received at the least one match after he defeated Quentin Halys 6-0, 3-6, 6-3 on Tuesday. Ivashka’s final three losses have come to gamers ranked within the prime six, so it’s requiring quite a bit to beat him today. In his present state, Opelka could not have what it takes.
Decide: Ivashka in 3
(8) Brandon Nakashima vs. John Millman
Nakashima is likely one of the Individuals with essentially the most momentum behind him proper now–up there with Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul. The 20-year-old attain the third spherical of the French Open, the ‘s-Hertogenbosch quarterfinals, the Eastbourne second spherical as a qualifier, and the fourth spherical of Wimbledon (misplaced to Nick Kyrgios in 5 units). Nakashima had success in his Atlanta debut, too, making a run to the 2021 title match earlier than falling to six-time champion John Isner.
The Wednesday afternoon session pits Nakashima towards Millman for the second time of their careers. They beforehand squared off on the Dallas Challenger in February, when the American prevailed 7-5, 7-6(3). Since Indian Wells in early March, Millman has received main-draw matches at solely three ATP tournaments (Belgrade, Eastbourne, and now Atlanta). The 81st-ranked Aussie has failed to choose up a number of main-draw wins at any ATP Tour cease since Delray Seaside in February. A 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-3 victory over compatriot Alexei Popyrin on Monday was respectable, however nothing means that Millman is able to take down Nakashima in Atlanta.
Decide: Nakashima in 2
Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and likewise maintains his personal tennis web site, The Grandstand. You possibly can comply with him on twitter at @Dimonator.
