Alex Michelsen vs Sebastian Ofner Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Winston-Salem Open

Prediction published on 21/08/2023, 10:04  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 21/08/2023 at 11:04 in Tennis Predictions

World number 133 Alex Michelsen looks to cause another upset in the Winston Salem Open. He faces 15th seeded Sebastian Ofner for a place in the third round with fourth seed Laslo Djere a possible opponent. Michelsen is only 18 years old and the American received a wild card to play in this outdoor hard court event. He made the most of that by beating Juan Pablo Virallas (ranked 74th) in three sets. Michelsen won the first set 6-3 but lost the second on a tie-break. It was plain sailing in the final set though and the American didn't drop a game. The teenager is up to a career high 130th after that first round victory. Most of his year has been spent on the ITF circuit and the Challenger Tour with five finals producing two titles. He has made an impact on the ATP Tour though and got to the final of the grass court tournament held in Newport in July beating four top 130 ranked players. He's definitely one to keep an eye out for in the future.

Sebastian Ofner is ranked 59th in the world, seven places below the career high he achieved last month. The 27-year-old owes his high ranking to form shown on clay. That was shown when reaching the last 16 at Roland Garros. This is his first hard court tournament since February. The month before that he won a Challenger Tour event held in Tenerife but didn't defeat anyone ranked in the top 150. On the ATP Tour this year, Ofner is playing his first hard court match of the year. We go for Mikelsen to continue his good form and reach the third round.