Reilly Opelka vs James Duckworth Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Washington Citi Open

Prediction published on 29/07/2024, 02:32  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 29/07/2024 at 02:39 in Tennis Predictions

World number 78 James Duckworth will play the wildcard Rilley Opelka in the first round of this year’s Washington Open. This match, the first tour meeting between the two, is scheduled for Tuesday. Here's our preview for the encounter and a prediction of the possible outcome.

Rilley Opelka has returned to Washington to end a two-year absence from the event. The American has endured a torrid last two years with injury and has played just seven matches since he last played in DC. Six of those matches have been in 2024 and he has compiled a respectable 4-2 record.

The 26-year-old, who has twice qualified for the third round here, is coming off a second-round exit in Atlanta. It was in Atlanta that the four-time tour champion was making his hard-court return in two years. He is currently placed 371st in the live ranking.

James Duckworth will be seeking his second career victory against Opelka. As he has compiled a strong 33-18 record this year, he will be confident of this. The Australian defeated Opelka to win the Cary Challenger in 2018.

Duckworth will play in Washington for the eighth time and will be aiming to go beyond the third round for the first time. The 32-year-old is ending a month-long rest period. He last took to the court in Wimbledon where he qualified for the main draw but lost in the first round.

The former ATP top 50 player is currently placed 81st in the live ranking. The winner from this match will set up a second-round showdown against seventh-seed Jordan Thompson.