REIGNING champion Radu Albot will be looking to make it back-to-back titles at the 2020 Delray Beach competition but will have to get past a host of quality players in the likes of Aussie cult hero Nick Kyrgios and Canadian Milos Raonic if he is any chance to hold the trophy aloft.

FAVOURITE:

Nick Kyrgios (AUS)

It would be hard to overlook the big serving Australian as favourite to take out the Delray Beach title given his explosive power and recent form. However, he does come in under an injury cloud having opted out of the New York Open due to a shoulder injury but should be right as rain to claim his first Delray Beach title in just his second appearance at the tournament. The world number 20 really hit his straps in the Australian Open progressing through to the Round of 16 to only go down to world number one Rafael Nadal in a gruelling four setter. Kyrgios seems to have dialled back the theatrics on the court instead letting his tennis do the talking albeit with a couple of party tricks such as his signature in between the legs shot.

CONTENDERS:

Milos Raonic (CAN)

The 29-year-old Canadian is making his third appearance at Delray Beach and will be hoping to kick start his 2020 with a win. He made it through to the quarter-final in the Australian Open, downing the likes of Greek youngster Stefanos Tsitsipas and Croatian Marin Cilic to showcase just how damaging he can be when on song. The former top 10 player has not won a title since 2016 and will be looking to get back on the winners list. He was knocked out of the New York Open in the Round of 16 by 84th ranked Soonwoo Kwon, so will want to pick up for his tournament,

Taylor Fritz (USA)

The world 36 showed plenty of good form at the Australian Open making it to the third round before being knocked out by eventual finalist Dominic Thiem and while that form did not necessarily carry over into the Newport Challenger dropping out in the second round the 22-year-old could pose a threat. He is an exciting young talent that will be looking to build on his form and potentially win his second title. Fritz is strong on the serve winning an average of 75 per cent of points off the first and at such a young age still has plenty of room to grow.

Tennys Sandgren (USA)

There is a definite American flavour to the Delray Beach tournament with Sandgren another contender for the title. Sitting at world number 53 after jumping three places in recent weeks Sandgren will be hoping to progress up the rankings with some key wins having pushed the likes of Roger Federer to his limits in a five-set thriller at the Australian Open. The American has only won one title throughout his career and will be looking to add to his trophy cabinet in this tournament.

ROUGHIE:

John Millman (AUS)

The Aussie battler has been in ripping form taking it world number three Federer in an intense battle lasting a whopping four hours at the Australian Open. Millman drew plenty of support from the home crowd and while he won’t be privy to the same backing in the US expect him to put up a strong fight. He also showcased his class at the Auckland Classic making it to the quarter-finals only to beaten by fifth seed Benoit Paire. He is yet to win a title but never say never considering the type of form he is in and the sheer belief he has, to take it to the top players.

DARK HORSE:

Radu Albot (MDA)

After stunning many in last years final, Albot will be hoping to make it consecutive wins at Delray Beach. He downed Brit, Daniel Evans in three sets to clench his first piece of silverware. Albot dropped the opening set but showcased his grit and determination to fight his way back into the contest and take the win. He reached world number 39 midway through last year and will be hoping to catapult back up the rankings again with a strong showing after dropping to world number 50. The Moldovian knows what it takes to win on hard court having done it last year and will be wanting to defend his inaugural ATP Tour title.