The first round action continues on Day 2 at the 2019 Eastbourne International. After a rainy first day here at Eastbourne, the order of play will be heavily staggered as matches from Monday will be put on Tuesday. Some featured players will be the Queens’ Club finalists, Feliciano Lopez and Gilles Simon. Also, some exciting British talent on showcase such as Dan Evans and Jay Clarke.
ATP Eastbourne International Day 2 Predictions
Feliciano Lopez vs Pierre-Hugues Herbert
Head-to-head: Lopez leads 2-1
The big question now for Lopez will be whether he has enough in the tank to compete at the highest level in Eastbourne. After playing a total of 22 sets at Queen’s (singles and doubles combined), the Spaniard could be feeling physically tired, especially considering his age.
On the other hand, Herbert has had a few days off after his defeat to Federer in Halle. So arguably the Frenchman will be physically fresher out of the two. The match will completely depend on how Lopez is feeling physically, as he has shown to the skeptics at Queens that he can still compete with the very best if he is physically fit. It will be a close match, but at the same time it is difficult to see Lopez crashing out in the first round straight after winning Queen’s.
Prediction: Lopez in 3
Dan Evans vs Radu Albot
Head-to-head: Albot leads 1-0
Both players are in good form so far this season, including facing each other in the Delray Beach final, and this match could be a close one. Evans currently is on a 10-1 win-loss record on grass so far this season and has just won back-to-back Challenger titles on grass. Albot, on the other hand, currently has an impressive 21-13 win-loss record in 2019.
The fact that Evans has played already played 17 matches (including doubles) on grass gives the Brit a big advantage coming into this match. Combining the home crowd support and good form on grass, he should be able to get over the finish line.
Prediction: Evans in 2
Gilles Simon vs Tennys Sandgren
Head-to-head: Simon leads 1-0
Simon is coming in with good form as he just reached the final at Queen’s and lost in a close three-setter. If Simon can be as consistent as he was in Queen’s, then he is a dark horse in the tournament. Sandgren, coming in as a qualifier, will be dangerous as qualifiers are always playing with confidence and riding a positive momentum. Expect Simon to slowly wear down Sandgren physically as he does with most opponents. Also, since this is Gilles Simon playing, expect long rallies, long service games, and definitely a third set.
Prediction: Simon in 3
Jay Clarke vs Leonardo Mayer
Head-to-head: First meeting
Clarke is currently on a five-match losing streak, and Mayer will not an easy opponent break that streak. It could be a close match as Mayer has yet to play since Roland Garros and could be rusty. If Clarke could get an early break before Mayer gets going, then we could have a match on our hands.
Overall, Clarke should come into the match with a “nothing to lose” attitude, because he literally doesn’t. Because regardless of the result, it will be a good learning experience for the young Brit.
Prediction: Mayer in 2
Main Photo from Getty
