Korda, Dimitrov, Michelsen and Mcdonald to play on Thursday

Preview of key first-round matches at the BNP Paribas Open

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Sebastian Korda, Grigor Dimitrov, Alex Michelsen, and Mackenzie Mcdonald are all scheduled to compete in first-round matches at the BNP Paribas Open on Thursday. The article provides a preview of each matchup, including the head-to-head records, player rankings and recent results, as well as predictions and odds for the matches.

Why it matters

The BNP Paribas Open is one of the most prestigious ATP Tour events, and these first-round matches feature several top players looking to make a deep run in the tournament. The outcomes of these matches could have significant implications for the players' seasons and rankings.

The details

Sebastian Korda will face Francisco Comesana, Grigor Dimitrov will take on Terence Atmane, Alex Michelsen will play Daniel Merida Aguilar, and Mackenzie Mcdonald will battle Matteo Arnaldi. The article provides a detailed breakdown of each matchup, including the players' current rankings, recent results, and head-to-head records. It also includes predictions and odds for the matches.

  • The matches are scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
  • Korda vs. Comesana is set for 6:00 pm on STADIUM 1.
  • Dimitrov vs. Atmane is scheduled for 11:00 am on STADIUM 1.
  • Michelsen vs. Merida Aguilar is set for 3:00 pm on STADIUM 2.
  • Mcdonald vs. Arnaldi is scheduled for 7:00 pm on STADIUM 3.

The players

Sebastian Korda

An American professional tennis player ranked No. 37 in the world. He has a 13-5 win-loss record in 2026, including a title win in Delray Beach.

Francisco Comesana

An Argentine professional tennis player ranked No. 82 in the world. He has a 4-7 win-loss record in 2026.

Grigor Dimitrov

A Bulgarian professional tennis player ranked No. 42 in the world. He has a 1-4 win-loss record in 2026.

Terence Atmane

A French professional tennis player ranked No. 52 in the world, with a career-high ranking. He has a 4-6 win-loss record in 2026.

Alex Michelsen

An American professional tennis player ranked No. 44 in the world. He has a 6-5 win-loss record in 2026, with a semifinal appearance in Brisbane.

Daniel Merida Aguilar

A Spanish professional tennis player ranked No. 139, with a career-high ranking. He has an 11-3 win-loss record in 2026, including a final appearance in the Tenerife 1 Challenger.

Mackenzie Mcdonald

An American professional tennis player ranked No. 126. He has a 6-5 win-loss record in 2026.

Matteo Arnaldi

An Italian professional tennis player ranked No. 85. He has a 1-1 win-loss record in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

These first-round matches at the BNP Paribas Open feature several talented players looking to make a deep run in one of the most prestigious events on the ATP Tour. The outcomes of these matches could have significant implications for the players' seasons and rankings.