Delray Beach Open 2023: Taylor Fritz vs Emilio Gomez preview, head-to-head, odds and prediction
Match details
Fixture: (1) Taylor Fritz vs Emilio Gomez
Date: February 15, 2023
Tournament: Delray Beach Open 2023
Round: Second round
Venue: Delray Beach, USA
Category: ATP 250
Surface: Outdoor Hardcourt
Live telecasts: USA - ESPN | UK - Eurosport | India - Sony Six, Sony Ten & Sony Liv
Taylor Fritz vs Emilio Gomez preview
Top-ranked American Taylor Fritz will open his 2023 Delray Beach Open campaign against Emilio Gomez on Wednesday.
The top seed at this year's tournament, Fritz comes in after a couple of disappointing results in Melbourne and Dallas. While he suffered a surprise second-round exit at the season's first Slam, the American was stopped by Wu Yibing in the semifinals of the Dallas Open.
The results came as a surprise given Fritz's successful run at the United Cup, where he spearheaded the US team all the way to the title. Needless to say, he will be looking to rediscover his lost form.
Gomez, meanwhile, comes into the tournament fresh off career-best results. He reached the quarterfinals in his last tour event in Dallas with wins over the likes of Miomir Kecmanovic and is now sitting at a career-high world ranking of No. 94.
The Ecuadorian has enjoyed a fair share of success on the Challenger and Futures circuits, where he has reached a total of 22 singles finals and won on 14 occasions. Currently with his confidence high, he could well ask a few questions of Fritz in their upcoming contest.
Taylor Fritz vs Emilio Gomez head-to-head
This will be the first career meeting between Fritz and Gomez, so their current head-to-head stands at a 0-0 deadlock.
Taylor Fritz vs Emilio Gomez odds
(All odds are sourced from betMGM)
Taylor Fritz vs Emilio Gomez prediction
Given the huge gulf in world rankings and level of experience, Taylor Fritz will be the overwhelming favorite to come out on top in this first-time match-up. That said, he still needs to be wary of Gomez, who has sprung up a few big surprises in recent weeks.
The Ecuadorian, unlike most players coming from the South American continent, enjoys playing on the hardcourt more than clay. Eight of his 14 titles have come on the quicker surface and he is more than capable of hanging in with his opponents in baseline exchanges.
That said, Fritz's big serve and superior power off the ground should give him an edge in the contest. If the American can keep a tab on his unforced errors, he should be able to fend off Gomez.
Prediction: Fritz to win in three sets.