It’s a stacked day at the Miami Open, as Alexander Bublik takes on Matteo Berrettini and Tommy Paul battles Adrian Mannarino. Mannarino and Berrettini are playing on back-to-back days due to rain earlier in the week.
(10) Alexander Bublik vs. Matteo Berrettini
It seems that Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik has gone a bit off the boil after a strong start to the season. The world No. 11 crashed out in the third round of Indian Wells to Rinky Hijikata and before that in the Dubai second round to Tallon Griekspoor. Friday opponent Matteo Berrettini has battled a stream of injuries for most of his career and his most recent struggle came at the Australian Open with an oblique issue. Bublik holds a 1-0 record over the Italian, but they haven’t played since 2021. Berrettini is defending quarterfinal points from last year, when he lost a heartbreaker to Taylor Fritz.
Berrettini’s ranking has slipped to 68th in the world, but when he is healthy he is dangerous. I think this one goes three. I haven’t seen enough from Berrettini that would suggest an upset, but he will likely make Bublik work for it.
Cheryl pick: Bublik in 3
Ricky pick: Bublik in 2
(22) Tommy Paul vs. Adrian Mannarino
American Tommy Paul hasn’t had good luck against Adrian Mannarino. The two men have met three times; Mannarino has won the last two. The Frenchman isn’t playing well right now, though. He comes into Miami on the heels of a quarterfinal loss at the Phoenix Challenger to the world No. 151 Billy Harris.
Paul warmed up for the Sunshine Double with a run to the final of Delray Beach, where he lost to a red-hot Sebastian Korda. With Paul playing at home (he lives in Florida) and on his favorite surface, I expect this one to go to the American.
Cheryl pick: Paul in 2
Ricky pick: Paul in 3