Thursday is shaping up to a big day at the Delray Beach Open

At last night's exciting Delray Beach Open, Taylor Fritz pushed past a tough Nuno Borges 7-6(5), 6-4 . Meanwhile, Marcos Giron took out Adrian Mannarino 6-0, 6-7(5), 6-1. The Americans are on a tear. Will it continue today? 

One thing is for sure — this Thursday should serve up some solid tennis at the DBO. And there's more Thursday perks on offer at the DBO. What can we expect? Let's take a look at some key events on the schedule today.

Boca Boys: Frances Tiafoe and Tommy Paul

Second seed Frances Tiafoe and third seed Tommy Paul play their opening matches Thursday. These hometown heroes, Tiafoe and Paul, both have homes Boca Raton. Tiafoe, world-ranked No. 15, faces a qualifier in the night session, but this qualifier is the 2019 Delray Beach Open champion Radu Albot, the oldest man in the draw at age 34. Paul, ranked No. 14, faces the youngest man in the Top 100, 19-year-old Alex Michelsen, in the day session.

Workin' Hard for the Money

American qualifier Nicolas Moreno De Alboran has spent more time on court than any other player thus far in the tournament at 6 hours, 52 minutes. He won two three-setters in qualifying, including one that featured three consecutive tiebreak sets, then earned his career-first ATP Tour-level win 6-2, 7-6. By contrast, his opponent on Thursday, Jordan Thompson, has spent 2:41 on court, which includes one singles and one doubles match. Then again, while Moreno De Alboran was winning qualifying matches last weekend, Thompson was winning the doubles title in Dallas.

Above: Jordan Thompson. Photo: Andrew Patron /  Delray Beach Open.

Watch Grand Slam Doubles Champions 

Both doubles matches on Thursday feature at least one Grand Slam champion. Reigning Wimbledon doubles champion and two-time Wimbledon mixed doubles champion Neal Skupski and his partner Santiago Gonzalez are the top seeds, and they face 2023 Australian Open doubles champion Rinky Hijikata and his partner Will Blumberg. While not a Grand Slam champion, Blumberg holds another distinction - playing for North Carolina, he is the first 10-time All-American (5 singles, 5 doubles) due to the fifth year of eligibility granted during the pandemic. In the other doubles match, last month's Australian Open mixed doubles winner Jan Zielinski and partner Hugo Nys are the second seeds.

Check out USTA's Wheelchair Showcase

USTA Florida is excited to present the Wheelchair Showcase featuring eight South Florida wheelchair tennis athletes performing common wheelchair tennis drills. The event will culminate with some singles and doubles action. Court 1 from 6-7:30 pm.

Enjoy Tacos, Tequila and Tennis

The second annual Tacos, Tequila and Tennis takes place from 6:00 - 8:00pm, and is presented by Dano’s Tequila. It offers a match made in heaven: samples of tacos, cocktails featuring tequila and top-tier tennis at the Delray Beach Open. Event goers can also enjoy Dano’s Tequila cocktails and wine and beer. From savory or sweet to spicy and crispy, there is sure to be a taco for everyone! A portion of the proceeds to benefit local nonprofit organization Love Serving Autism. To purchase tickets, click here.

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Source: Delray Beach Open. Photo credit (top): Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour.