Day 2 at Queen’s Club in London features several Brits such as qualifier Paul Jubb and wildcard Ryan Peniston as well as Dan Evans taking on top 10 player and defending champion Matteo Berrettini in a match that could be a blockbuster. We also predict the rest of the day’s matches, split between two articles. One features Tommy Paul vs Denis Shapovalov and the second features Frances Tiafoe vs Stan Wawrinka.
ATP Queen’s Day 2 Predictions
Paul Jubb vs Botic Van De Zandschulp
Head-to-head: 0-0
It’s that time of year where unknown British players emerge hoping to make big runs on the grass courts in England. In this case Jubb, ranked #227 in the world, has most definitely earned his place in the main draw after beating both James Duckworth and Steve Johnson, two top 100 players, to qualify. On paper the Dutchman is favorite and has a game which should translate to grass fairly well but as we’ve seen over the years, many upsets can be had at Queens. Given Jubb’s form in the two qualifying matches I believe he can make it close but perhaps not get the win.
Prediction: Van De Zandschulp in 3
Sam Querrey vs Diego Schwartzman
Head-to-head: Schwartzman 3-2
Despite Schwartzman leading the rivalry it really doesn’t mean much here given the two have never played on grass. The green stuff is the Argentine’s worst surface whilst one could argue it’s also Querrey’s best with a title win here before as well as a Wimbledon semifinal. Admittedly that Querrey is long gone with the American struggling and now outside the world’s top 100 but his big serve and forehand on this surface still does damage and it’s hard to see the Argentine holding and breaking serve enough to get the win here.
Prediction: Querrey in 3
Casper Ruud vs Ryan Peniston
Head-to-head: 0-0
With no disrespect to the Brit, this year’s Roland Garros finalist has a nice entry point onto the grass courts of London against the world #180. Whilst a majority of Ruud’s success has come on the clay he has shown several times his forehand and serve can be effective on faster surfaces. The lower bounce and the ball racing through the court will severely impact his defensive game but on the front foot there’s more than enough potential for the Norwegian to at least rack up a few wins this week.
Prediction: Ruud in 2
Dan Evans vs Matteo Berrettini
Head-to-head: Berrettini 1-0
What an absolute blockbuster of a round one match with both men winning titles last week, Dan Evans in Nottingham and Matteo Berrettini in Stuttgart. It’s hard to believe this is an opening round match here for not only that reason but also because this was a quarter-final last year at this event. Berrettini’s serve and forehand are insanely lethal on any surface but on grass it truly is something else. The Italian’s weak backhand is also somewhat masked with his slice not sitting up to be put away by top players like it is on other surfaces. Right now the defending champion and last year’s Wimbledon finalist is looking good and will be hard to beat this week.
Prediction: Berrettini in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
