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Match details
Fixture: (6) Frances Tiafoe vs (WC) Feliciano Lopez.
Date: March 1, 2023.
Tournament: Mexican Open 2023.
Round: Second Round (Round of 16).
Venue: Acapulco, Mexico.
Category: ATP 500.
Surface: Outdoor hardcourt.
Prize money: $2,013,940.
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Amazon Prime Video | Canada - TSN.
Frances Tiafoe vs Feliciano Lopez preview
World No. 15 Frances Tiafoe will take on veteran Feliciano Lopez in the second round of the 2023 Mexican Open.
Tiafoe was up against Yoshihito Nishioka in the first round. The duo traded service breaks at the start of the opening set, but remained quite steady otherwise. The American trailed 2-0 in the ensuing tie-break, but came out on top in the end to clinch it.
The two were evenly matched for most of the second set. With Nishioka serving to stay in the match at 5-4, Tiafoe made his move. He broke his opponent's serve to win the contest 7-6 (6), 6-4.
Meanwhile, Lopez, now ranked outside the top 1000 and 41 years of age, received a main draw wildcard to compete here. He faced qualifier Christopher Eubanks in the first round.
While both players faced a few break points in the first set, they managed to dig deep and remain solid on serve. Lopez even saved four set points at 5-4 and played a fantastic tie-break later on to claim the opener.
The Spaniard drew first blood in the second set as he went up a break to lead 4-2. Eubanks broke back immediately to get back on serve. However, the American crumbled under pressure while serving to stay in the match at 5-4 as Lopez broke his serve to win 7-6 (3), 6-4.
Frances Tiafoe vs Feliciano Lopez head-to-head
Lopez leads Tiafoe 1-0 in the head-to-head. He won their previous encounter at the 2018 European Open in straight sets.
Frances Tiafoe vs Feliciano Lopez odds
(Odds are sourced from BetMGM)
Frances Tiafoe vs Feliciano Lopez prediction
Feliciano Lopez notched up his first win at the ATP level since July 2021 by defeating Christopher Eubanks in his opener here. After more than two decades on the tour, the Spaniard is finally set to call it quits this year.
Lopez frequently sliced his shots, which drew quite a few errors from Eubanks' racquet. His serving stats were pretty good as well as he hit 11 aces and won 81% of his first serve points.
On the other hand, Frances Tiafoe did well to weather the challenge from Yoshihito Nishioka in the first round. It wasn't an easy opener by any means, but the American raised his level at the right moment to gain the upper hand.
Tiafoe had a good day on serve as well, and managed to strike 32 winners in contrast to 18 unforced errors.
While Lopez's best days may be behind him, he'll be looking to go out on a high.
The Spaniard is still capable of inflicting some damage and giving his younger opponents a lesson or two with his brand of tennis. Nevertheless, it is unlikely to be enough for him to get past Tiafoe.
Pick: Frances Tiafoe to win in straight sets.
