Let's crack this match wide open - Brandon Nakashima vs Jordan Thompson. Now, if we stroll down memory lane to 2023, we find Thompson swiping the floor with Nakashima in a grueling five-setter. But ah, that was another year, another day - both unseeded players are here at the Round of 64 with everything to play for.
Looking at the scorecards... Righto, it's clear that Thompson is the careworn old tennis shoe and has been tossed around a bit, winning some battles and sulking off from others. Kotov succumbed to his 'Thomson Vortex', but Musetti and Murray returned his serves with a swift, 'thank you, but no thank you!'.
Our young dynamo, Nakashima, on the other hand, seems to be quite the ping-pong. Baez didn't get much of a look in while Musetti put him in his place. Let's give a hand to Gasquet for showing up! Honestly, are we looking at the tennis court or a seesaw?
There's no love lost between these two players, but Nakashima's recent performance indicates he'd be wise to not ignore the rear-view mirror. As thrilling as this shuttling back and forth between triumph and defeat is for the spectators, chess...err... I mean... tennis is all about strategy, right?
Considering it all, I'm popping my money on lady luck's favorite. As much as it pains me to remind you all of our heartbreaking 2023 loss, my gut says Thompson's coming for an encore. So there you have it.
Albert’s Prediction: Thompson in 4 sets.