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 Russia’s Andrey Rublev wanted to see on the draw. Not only is the Czech player 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’re 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 Russian to rebound here 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
WWW: Rublev vs. Machac?
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 ranked a career high 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. Michelsen beat qualifier Lukas Klein to earn his spot in the second round.
Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor has never played Michelsen, hardly surprising since Michelsen is still pretty new on tour. The world No. 26 had an impressive run to the semifinals in Rotterdam, but that was at his home event. Other results in 2024 have been less impressive.
Michelsen will have at least a shot at the upset. He’ll be playing at home on his most comfortable surface and he’s proven that his star is on the rise.
Cheryl pick: Michelsen in 3
Ricky pick: Griekspoor in 3
WWW: Griekspoor vs. Michelsen?
The post Miami R2 previews and predictions: Rublev vs. Machac, Michelsen vs. Griekspoor appeared first on The Grandstand.
