Ugo Humbert starts his weekend in Miami against Canada’s Gabriel Diallo. The loaded schedule also features Brandon Nakashima against former US Open champion Marin Cilic.
(31) Ugo Humbert vs. Gabriel Diallo
France’s Ugo Humbert holds the seed for Miami, but sits just 3 spots ahead of his second round opponent, Gabriel Diallo. Humbert’s current form suggests his run in Miami will be cut short. Despite the flurry of January and February, Diallo showed signs of life in Indian Wells last week, where he knocked out world number 17 Andrey Rublev and gave Felix Auger-Aliassime a challenge before going down to 3. I give Diallo the edge on this one. Humbert excels on a fast course (like Rotterdam, where he made the semis last month). The rain and humidity in south Florida will not help his goal. In contrast, Diallo generates his energy. The Canadian is 6’8″ and uses his size to his advantage.
Choose Cheryl – Diallo at 3
(27) Brandon Nakashima vs. Marin Cilic
2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic is on a career path. The 37-year-old is currently ranked 49th in the world and last won the title two years ago in Hangzhou. The good thing about this second round match is that we don’t have to wonder how Cilic will measure up to opponent Brandon Nakashima on the hard courts in South Florida in 2026. They just played solo last month in Delray Beach. Nakashima won that match in a 2-set tiebreak. I expect a similar result on Saturday, although it wouldn’t be a shock if Cilic held the set this time as he easily did in Delray.
Cheryl pick – Nakashima at 3
