Eighth seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, a commanding player on the tour, jetted for some more action this season. The Spaniard is performing at the Delray Beach Open and is eying for a deep run in the ATP 250 event. Before he has a chance to further his agenda, he will next lock horns with Mackenzie McDonald in the tournament’s second round on Thursday, February 13.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Mackenzie McDonald: Preview
The Spanish sensation enjoyed a relatively easy outing in the opening round showcase in Delray. He clashed with Taro Daniel and without wasting much effort, made easy work of the Japanese player in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6 (2).
Meanwhile, McDonald had a rather start to his Delray campaign. He squared off against Kei Nishikori and mapped the court for over two and a half hours before shocking the Japanese sensation in the final set. The home favorite concluded the contest following his rival’s service break in the final game, ultimately concluding the contest with a three-set score line of 7-6 (4), 4-6, 7-5.
Fokina, however, has done some damage on the tour. Looking at his 10-year play record, the Spanish player has recorded a competent 57-win percentage in his matches (267-198). And this has only worked in his favor, especially against McDonald.
Fokina vs McDonald: Head-to-Head
Both players ran into each other twice on the professional tour circuit. McDonald trails behind the Spaniard 0-2 in the head-to-head tally, with their last encounter played at the 2023 Canadian Open where Fokina prevailed in straight sets. The second round of the Delray Beach showcase will count as their third overall meet on the tour.
2023 Canadian Open, QF: Fokina, 6-3, 6-2
2021 Stockholm, R32: McDonald, 6-2, 3-6, 7-5
Prediction: Fokina to win in straight sets
McDonald has barely performed in the tour-level events this season. The American player has been largely active on the Challenger circuit, where he has enjoyed decent results. His best performance came at the Challenger Oeiras, where he finished semifinalist. However, he has yet to establish himself on the Grand Slam stage this year.
The World No. 86 failed to secure a main draw spot in the Australian Open after bowing to Gauthier Onclin in the qualifiers. The Delray Beach Open marks his first main draw appearance on the tour this year. And, best believe, the 29-year-old will face significantly more resistance on the ATP than on the Challenger circuit.
Meanwhile, Fokina kicked off the season at the Hong Kong Open where despite his best efforts, the Spaniard suffered an opening exit to Jaume Munar. However, the Spanish sensation quickly turned the corner after jetting to Melbourne for the season-opening Major and recorded noteworthy comebacks against formidable rivals, including Felix Auger-Alissame and Jakub Mensik, en route to the fourth round. His bid for a quarterfinal spot came to an end after American Tommy Paul sent him packing.
His season has been a mixed bag so far and with a 6-4 win-loss record for the year, the Spaniard has notably struggled with maintaining a consistent form. However, the eighth seed has showcased strength to tackle high-pressure situations with his impressive outing Down Under. And, this will come in handy when he clashes against McDonald.
Boasting an aggressive baseline game with a flair for clinical drop shots, Fokina is a tough competitor to handle. His superior on-court experience could trouble the American player and as a result, the second round of the Delray Beach Open should see him prevail.
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