Now a 500-level event, the Nexo Dallas Open is the only ATP Tour indoor championship in the United States. The 28-player singles main draw is absolutely loaded, with 14 of the top 15-ranked Americans competing. Day 1 features four intriguing matches, including an Australian Open rematch between Sebastian Korda and Michael Zheng. As always, we at LWOT have the preview and prediction for every match on the ATP Dallas slate. But who will advance?

ATP Dallas Open Day 1 Predictions
Frances Tiafoe vs Terence Atmane

Head-to-Head: first meeting

No. 8 seed Frances Tiafoe has underperformed over the last 15 months. If he is to turn it around in 2026, a strong result at ATP Dallas would go a long way toward his confidence. 24-year-old Terence Atmane is only a few spots off his career-high, but is just 1-8 in his last nine matches. On home soil, Tiafoe should take care of business.

Prediction: Tiafoe in 2

Brandon Nakashima vs Mattia Bellucci

Head-to-Head: Nakashima 2-0 Bellucci

Currently No. 30 in the world, Brandon Nakashima is one spot off his career high. After opening the season with a run to the Brisbane final, the American crashed out in the first round of the Australian Open. Bellucci is one of the more underrated talents in the Top 100, and being a lefty always throws a wrench in a match. However, I am confident Nakashima is poised to have a strong next few months in North America.

Prediction: Nakashima in 2

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Qualifier

Currently a career-high No. 14 in the world, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina is still hunting for his first ATP title. ATP Dallas could be the place he gets it done. The Spaniard squares off against a qualifier in the first round. Although the qualifying draw was littered with college tennis talent, the No. 3 seed should use his consistency and ballstriking to fend off any upset bid.

Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 2

Sebastian Korda vs Michael Zheng

Head-to-Head: Korda 0-1 Zheng

ATP Dallas fans should be treated to a phenomenal Round 1 encounter when Sebastian Korda squares off against Michael Zheng. The current Colombian Lion downed Korda in five sets last month in Melbourne. The Wildcard has a chance to be a Top 10 player in his future, and has already proven himself a tough out on tour. We have been waiting for Korda to put it together for a few years. Now seemingly healthy, this is a tournament he should go deep in. I see him avenging his Australian Open loss by being very aggressive from the baseline.

Prediction: Korda in 3

Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – Imagn Images