Learner Tien is the sixth seed at the ATP Dallas Open and faces the former US Open champion Marin Cilic in an exciting first-round match. Who will come out on top?

ATP Dallas Day 2 Predictions
Grigor Dimitrov vs Alex Michelsen

Head-to-head: first meeting

Dimitrov is at a stage where the wear and tear on his body becomes prominent, but his game is built around shortening points. While he’s lost a yard or two of pace, he brings craft and variation to his play. Michelsen doesn’t quite have the Bulgarian’s toolkit to match and Dimitrov will likely win this with his superior patterns of play and shot selection.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3

Sho Shimabukuro vs Miomir Kecmanovic

Head-to-head: first meeting

It’s been a dismal start to 2026 for Kecmanovic, who is without a win in four tournaments. He’s got a title defense coming up next week in Delray. This is a crucial week for the Serbian if he intends to keep his ranking in the upper end of the top 50. Shimabukuro was excellent in qualifying, where he didn’t drop a set, and the 28-year-old Japanese has posted seven wins this term. He thrives in scrappy, point-by-point battles. And with form being a factor, I have to side with Shimabukuro.
Prediction: Shimabukuro in 3

Flavio Cobolli vs Jack Pinnington Jones

Head-to-head: Cobolli 1-0 Pinnington Jones

Cobolli has one win in his last four matches and the victory was in a match that he nearly lost at the United Cup against Stan Wawrinka. He struggled with illness at the Australian Open and was dumped out in the first round against a qualifier. The Italian’s recent defeat to Luca Nardi was more of a matchup problem than a recurring physical issue. Pinnington Jones has been in red-hot form in recent weeks with nine wins from 12 matches. Still, if Cobolli plays anywhere near his best level, he will do enough to secure victory.
Prediction: Cobolli in 3

Learner Tien vs Marin Cilic

Head-to-head: first meeting

We might probably be past the breakthrough moment when talking of Learner Tien. A comprehensive win over Medvedev took him to his first Grand Slam quarterfinal, and right now, what he keeps doing is something we can expect from him. This is a tough opener for the American. Cilic was equally impressive at the Australian Open, winning two rounds routinely before he was knocked out by Casper Ruud. Still, Tien should progress here. His confidence and current rhythm should aid his cause against a very dangerous Cilic.
Prediction: Tien in 3

Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images