A stacked day at the Miami Open as Alexander Bublik takes on Matteo Berrettini and Tommy Paul battles Adrian Mannarino.
(10) Alexander Bublik vs. Matteo Berrettini
It seems that the player from Kazakhstan, Alexander Bublik, has fainted after a good start to the season. World No. 11 crashed in the third round of Indian Wells to Rinky Hijikata and before that in the second round of Dubai he was beaten by Tallon Griekspoor. His Friday opponent Matteo Berrettini has struggled with a string of injuries throughout his career and his latest struggle came at the Australian Open badly injured. Bublik holds a 1-0 record over their Italian rival, but they haven’t played since 2021. Berrettini is defending his quarterfinal spot from last year when he suffered a heartbreaking loss to Taylor Fritz.
The Italian’s ranking has dropped to 68th in the world, but if he is healthy he is a dangerous opponent. I think this one goes 3. I didn’t see enough from Berrettini to warrant an upset, but he’ll make Bublik work for you.
Pick Cheryl – Bublik at 3
(22) Tommy Paul vs. Adrian Mannarino
American Tommy Paul was unlucky against Adrian Mannarino. The two men met 3 times; Mannarino won the last two. The Frenchman is not playing well at the moment. He comes to Miami after a quarterfinal loss to Phoenix Challenger world No. 151 Billy Harris. Paul set up the Sunshine Double with a run to the finals in Delray Beach, where he lost to the hot Sebastian Korda. Since Paul is playing at home (he lives in Florida) and in his favorite place, I expect this one to go to America.
Choose Cheryl – Paul in 2
