MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 19: Mackenzie McDonald of United States plays a forehand in his second round singles match against Aslan Karatsev of Russia during day three of the 2022 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Two American players – Mackenzie McDonald and Michael Mmoh will square off in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Delray Beach Open on Friday.
The 27-year-old came into the tournament on the back of an exit in the round of 16 of the Dallas Open. He has now reached the quarterfinals of a tournament for the first time this year.
McDonald began his campaign in the Delray Beach Open with a comprehensive win against Taro Daniel in the round of 32. The American star outplayed his opponent and won the match in straight sets 6-2, 6-2. McDonald was exceptional with his serves and had a win percentage of 85 on the first serve. In the second round, McDonald got the better of 5th seed Yoshihito Nishioka in what turned out to be a thrilling affair. The match ended 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 in favor of McDonald. Nishioka did not serve well during most parts of the match and McDonald made him pay.
The Riyadh-born athlete also took part in the Dallas Open but he didn’t have a great time at the event. He lost to eventual champion Wu Yibing in the first round.
In the first round of the Delray Beach Open, Mmoh defeated compatriot Aleksandar Kovacevic in a slugfest. The match ended 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in favor of Mmoh. He stunned 3rd seed Denis Shapovalov in the round of 16. After winning a competitive first set, Mmoh was blown away in the second set. However, Mmoh returned the favor in the third set to win the match 7-5, 3-6, 6-3. He converted 3 out of 5 break points and had a win percentage of 77 on the first serve.
The two players have faced each other thrice on the Challenger circuit. Mmoh has a slender 2-1 lead in the head-to-head scoreline as of now. McDonald emerged victorious in their most recent meeting in the Challenger event in the USA in 2017.
Prediction: Mackenzie McDonald to win in three sets.
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