Predicted Winners in BOLD

Dubai

Robin Haase (NED) vs. Damir Dzumhur (BIH) H2H

[4] Gael Monfils (FRA) vs. Fernando Verdasco (ESP) H2H – I like Verdasco in a a mild upset.

[1] Andy Murray (GBR) vs. Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) H2H – This would be a quality win for the world #1, and I expect him to get it.

[7] Lucas Pouille (FRA) vs. [Q] Evgeny Donskoy (RUS) H2H – Talented Lucas has a nice opportunity to beat a guy likely to be ready for a letdown.

Acapulco, Mexico

[3] Marin Cilic (CRO) vs. Steve Johnson (USA) H2H – Cilic should win, but I think Johnson will make him earn it.

[2] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs. [Q] Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) H2H – Rafa looks dialed in and that is bad news for Nishioka.

[4] Dominic Thiem (AUT) vs. Sam Querrey (USA) H2H – Querrey is capable, particularly if his forehand is clicking, but Thiem’s transition from clay to hard courts should continue in Acapulco for one more round at least.

[1/WC] Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs. [6] Nick Kyrgios (AUS) H2H – Djokovic doesn’t need this win, but he certainly could use it.  Novak won in Qatar and a deep run in Mexico with some quality wins could help with moving on from Australia.

Brasil Open

[5] Fabio Fognini (ITA) vs. [Q] Alessandro Giannessi (ITA) H2H – Fognini should win this match, but he is always unpredictable.

[1] Pablo Carreño Busta (ESP) vs. [WC] Joao Souza (BRA) H2H – I nearly picked Souza for a home country upset, but a top seed should be given some benefit of the doubt.

[6] Diego Schwartzman (ARG) vs. Gerald Melzer (AUT) H2H

[3] Pablo Cuevas (URU) vs. Facundo Bagnis (ARG) H2H – Cuevas has a nice opportunity this week in Brazil/Brasil.