Mackenzie Mcdonald vs Brandon Nakashima Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Houston

Prediction published on 03/04/2025, 01:26  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 03/04/2025 at 01:53 in Tennis Predictions

Houston Open fourth seed Brandon Nakashima will be up against Mackenzie McDonald in the second round on Thursday. These two have faced off five times across the last five years and the winner here will meet Kei Nishikori or Christopher Eubanks. Let’s have a look at the prediction for the match.

McDonald will seek to build on his three-set win over Elahi Galan in the first round at Houston. The first win in his first match on clay in 2025 improved his season’s record to 16-8.

That was also his first ever victory at Houston, coming on his fourth appearance at this event. Therefore, being in the second round represents his best achievement here.

Nakashima will be plotting to end McDonald’s rise while at the same time seeking to halt his dominance in this fixture. In the five meetings between the two Americans, Nakashima lost four times.

With a bye from the first round, he will hope to give a strong performance in his first game on clay this season. His last act was at the Miami Open, where he exited at the fourth round after falling in straight sets against Grigor Dimitrov.

The 23-year-old has a shaky 10-8 record heading into this fixture. He has a better run on clay compared to McDonald and will be banking a lot on that.