The second day of the Fever-Tree Championships at Queen’s Club should provide with plenty of entertainment. The top seeds are in play on Day 2, as are several who love grass courts. Everyone is trying to get into top form before Wimbledon, so everyone wants to win Queen’s. At the very least, the more you win at Queen’s, the more match experience you get on grass before Wimbledon. Who will win on Day 2? Here are my thoughts on four of the matches. (We also have predictions about four other matches, including Juan Martin del Potro vs Denis Shapovalov.)
ATP Queen’s Club Championships Day 2 Predictions
Stan Wawrinka vs Dan Evans
Head-to-head: 2-0 Wawrinka
Evans has had his share of troubles in his career (mostly self-inflicted). He does love the return to the grass of his home country, but he has an unfortunate draw here. Wawrinka is in good form and historically gets the better of this matchup for a reason. I think the Brit will be able to take a set on home soil, but the Swiss will eventually prevail.
Prediction: Wawrinka in 3
Jay Clarke vs Lucas Pouille
Head-to-head: First meeting
This pair has never faced off before, as Clarke is a rising youngster outside the Top 150. Don’t let that ranking fool you, though. Clarke is very talented and, like most Brits, loves the grass in his home country. Pouille might have the better pedigree, but Clarke has been slowly progressing for a while now, including winning the 125-point Anning Challenger just two months ago. Back at home, expect him to start making a name for himself at Queen’s.
Prediction: Clarke in 3
Marton Fucsovics vs Feliciano Lopez
Head-to-head: First meeting
Fucsovics is a talented and improving player, slowly raising his ranking. Lopez grabbed headlines by partnering with Andy Murray here, but don’t forget about him in singles. He still has a strong serve and is a great grass player. Expect him to outplay Fucsovics from both the baseline and at the net. The Spaniard’s ranking may have slipped recently, but he’s still a threat on grass.
Prediction: Lopez in 2
Grigor Dimitrov vs Felix Auger-Aliassime
Head-to-head: First meeting
Just a year ago, I would have said this matchup was mouth-watering. Since winning the ATP Finals in 2017, though, Dimitrov has really struggled. Whether it’s been injuries or a dip in form, he’s trying to work his way back to that peak. Auger-Aliassime, meanwhile, is skyrocketing towards the top of the game. These two players are trending in different directions, but the Bulgarian has more experience and likes playing on the grass. Don’t underestimate the importance of that, especially when you consider a youngster trying to adjust to high-level play on this surface.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
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