Adelaide International 2 2023: Dan Evans vs Mackenzie McDonald Tennis Prediction

TennisSection previews the 2023 Adelaide International 2 as Dan Evans takes on Mackenzie McDonald in the first round on Monday, January 9, 2023.

After Great Britain’s failed bid to win the United Cup, Dan Evans will be back to Tour-level action at the Adelaide International 2. He is set to take on the tenacious Mackenzie McDonald in a tricky opening match. Who will prevail?

Dan Evans won once and lost two matches at the United Cup as Great Britain lost the City Finals tie against the USA – the eventual champions. For Evans, he did give a good account of himself, coming very close to defeating Frances Tiafoe in a pivotal rubber. But nonetheless, he will be pleased with his level before the Australian Open. He can use the week at the Adelaide International 2 to fine-tune his game, but he will be under massive pressure from the off as he takes on Mackenzie McDonald.

Mackenzie McDonald, for his part, was in action in the opening week of the season. He won his opener (albeit via retirement) against Daniel Elahi Galan, but was thoroughly swatted aside by Yoshihito Nishioka in the second round. The Japanese lefty used his topspin forehand to good effect to move McDonald, who was struggling to hit cleanly on the run. The American will now have to deal with the crafty hands of Dan Evans at the Adelaide International 2.

Dan Evans leads Mackenzie McDonald 1-0 in their head-to-head, beating him at the 2020 Australian Open from two sets to love down. Evans will be hoping for more of the same at the Adelaide International 2. The Briton has the variety to trouble McDonald who is usually so comfortable trading baseline shots. But we reckon the British No. 2 has the weaponry to take McDonald out of his comfort zone.