Newport 2024: Reilly Opelka vs Mackenzie McDonald preview, head-to-head, prediction, and pick | Hall of Fame Open
Match Details
Fixture: (WC) Reilly Opelka vs Mackenzie McDonald
Date: July 18, 2024
Tournament: Hall of Fame Open 2024
Round: Quarterfinal
Venue: International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport, US
Category: ATP 250
Surface: Grass
Prize Money: $661,585
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN+.
Reilly Opelka vs Mackenzie McDonald preview
Opelka is making a comeback from a long injury lay-off on his home soil at the Hall of Fame Open. The 26-year-old American is playing in his first tournament in almost two years. He has undergone several surgeries in the recent past.
Opelka, however, has won his two matches convincingly so far. In the first round, he beat Constant Lestienne 6-1 2-6 7-6 (2) and then toppled Adrian Mannarino, the top-seed, 6-4 3-6 6-4.
McDonald, meanwhile, beat Rinku Hijikata 4-6 7-6 (4) 6-2 in the first round and then prevailed over Billy Harris 6-3 6-4 in the second round. He has looked in good touch so far. The older American is approaching 30, but still looks quite fit and is usually able to hold his own in baseline exchanges.
Reilly Opelka vs Mackenzie McDonald head-to-head
The two players have played each other only once, with Opelka winning. Opelka thus leads their head-to-head 1-0.
Reilly Opelka vs Mackenzie McDonald odds
(Odds to be updated)
Reilly Opelka vs Mackenzie McDonald prediction
Opelka's big serve is an asset to have on any surface and any condition, but more so on grass. He savors the fast conditions at Newport's lush green courts and has blasted 35 aces in his two matches in the tournament so far. He will once again look to serve his way through to the semi-final.
However, the big American is still not very comfortable moving around on the court. McDonald will try to exploit that weakness of his by making him move quite frequently. Still, McDonald's defensive skills will be put to a stern test against Opelka's powerful game.
Mcdonald will also be relatively fresh for the match, having played a fewer set in the tournament. Hence, if the match goes into the third set, he will be the favorite to win, as it might be a bit too much for Opelka to play three successive three-setters.
McDonald will, therefore, be the slight favorite to win the match. He might be able to sneak through in a long match.
Pick: McDonald to win in three sets