Match Details
Fixture: (3) Carlos Alcaraz vs (WC) Mackenzie McDonald
Tournament: Western & Southern Open
Round: Second round (Round of 32).
Venue: Cincinnati, United States
Category: ATP Masters 1000.
Surface: Hard court.
Prize money: $6,280,880.
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel & Bally Sports | Canada - TSN, Sportsnet, TVA Sports | UK - Amazon Prime Video | India - Sports 18 & Voot.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Mackenzie McDonald preview
Third seed Carlos Alcaraz will face Mackenzie McDonald in the second round of the Western & Southern Open.
The Spaniard has had an extraordinary season so far, winning 42 out of 50 matches with four titles to his name. Alcaraz won two Masters 1000 titles in Miami and Madrid while also triumphing at the Rio Open and the Barcelona Open.
After losing successive finals in Hamburg and Umag, the Spaniard entered the Canadian Open as the second seed but lost to Tommy Paul in the second round.
McDonald, meanwhile, has won 17 out of 37 matches so far this season, with his best showing in a tournament being a quarterfinal appearance at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
McDonald received a wildcard for the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati and reached the second round after beating Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-0, 6-1 on Sunday.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Mackenzie McDonald head-to-head
Alcaraz leads 1-0 in the head-to-head against McDonald, having beaten him 6-3, 6-3 in the second round of the Indian Wells Masters this year.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Mackenzie McDonald odds
(All odds are sourced from Betmgm)
Carlos Alcaraz vs Mackenzie McDonald prediction
Alcaraz will be the overwhelming favorite to win the match given his outstanding form this season. The Spaniard suffered an early exit in Montreal and will be eager to have a good run in Cincinnati.
Alcaraz will look to be aggressive from the start of the match and will mix things up using his astute drop shots. The 19-year-old's stamina and athleticism will also come in handy.
McDonald was dominant in his first-round match against Nikoloz Basilashvili but facing Alcaraz will be a daunting task. The American loves to come forward to the net and finish off points quickly. He has to be at his absolute best in order to give Alcaraz a run for his money.
The Spaniard has been in exceptional form lately and should be able to reach the last 16 without much of a hassle.
Pick: Alcaraz to win in straight sets.