Tiafoe vs Karatsev, Nishioka vs McDonald

Atlanta tournament headliner Frances Tiafoe will be up and running this week with her first match against dangerous Russian Aslan Karatsev. Mackenzie McDonald will also be in action against Yoshihito Nishioka.

(3) Frances Tiafoe vs. Aslan Karatsev

American Frances Tiafoe is unlikely to have the season he had hoped for at the start of 2024. The world No. 29 is tied at 15-15 when he comes to Atlanta, and despite playing well at Wimbledon and coming oh-so-close to knocking out eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz, he still lost in the third round. At least he may have gotten a confidence boost from playing well at the All-England Club.

Tiafoe’s first opponent is the inconsistent (and struggling) but still dangerous Aslan Karatsev of Russia. Before this event he was on a shocking 1-6 season, with his only win coming at the Rome Masters against Mackie McDonald. He won his first round in Atlanta, but it was against world number 114 Billy Harris, who came up through qualifying.

Given his recent form, this shouldn’t be too difficult for Tiafoe, who will be playing in front of an appreciative “home” crowd on his favourite surface and against an opponent who is completely out of shape.

Cheryl Choice: Tiafoe in 2

Ricky’s choice: Tiafoe in 3

Mackenzie McDonald vs. Yoshihito Nishioka

This is a surprisingly productive matchup. Mackie McDonald and Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka have met six times previously, with the matchup favoring Nishioka 4-2. The Japanese player has had a tough season, with a losing record in Atlanta even after his run to the quarterfinals in Eastbourne last month. He has spent the season on the Challenger circuit or attempting to qualify for main tour events.

Mackenzie McDonald looked good in his first-round win this week over sixth-seeded Brandon Nakashima. The American has struggled mightily in 2024. He started the Atlanta event with a dismal 3-9 record, but he had a positive run in Newport last week, reaching the quarter-finals, so he is playing with more confidence than he has the rest of the season.

This is a good chance for McDonald to at least reach his second quarterfinal in a row. Look for the American to advance.

Cheryl Choice: McDonald in 3

Ricky’s choice: McDonald in 2