Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the ATP Miami match.
The German and the Spaniard have played the same number of tournaments this year (seven), but the latter has gained significantly more from them. It’s no surprise that Alejandro is the favourite, but will his victory be straightforward, and will it happen at all?
Jan-Lennard Struff
The only previous meeting between these opponents took place last year, with Struff, who is nine years older, coming out on top in Rotterdam at the start of the season after a three-set battle (4:6, 7:6, 7:6) that lasted 2 hours and 25 minutes. However, back then, the German was ranked 25th, whereas now he has dropped to 49th. His results in the latter half of 2024 and the first three months of 2025 have been unimpressive. More often than not, he fails to progress beyond the second round. Only once, in February at the tournament in Marseille, did he reach the quarter-finals. In total, he has managed just three wins in ten matches this season.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Alejandro, on the other hand, boasts 13 victories to seven defeats. Before his early elimination at Indian Wells, the Spaniard reached back-to-back finals—first in Delray Beach, USA, and then in Acapulco, Mexico. Although he lost both finals, he notably defeated world No. 4 Taylor Fritz (7:6, 7:6) en route to the first one. These strong performances have significantly boosted his ATP ranking. He started the season ranked 61st but has now climbed to 39th.
Jan-Lennard Struff vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina Prediction
Struff’s previous victory over Davidovich Fokina will have no bearing on this encounter. The Spaniard is objectively stronger at the moment. Age will also play a factor—his endurance gives him an advantage. We are confident that Alejandro Davidovich Fokina will win comfortably.
