The action really starts to heat up on Day 2 of the ATP Eastbourne International. James Duckworth looks to turn a truly poor season around against Lorenzo Sonego, and Thiago Monteiro hopes to pull off an upset on his weakest surface. The headline match pits local favorite Dan Evans against French veteran Adrian Mannarino in what will surely be an intense battle. All matches are previewed here as competitors have one final week to prepare for Wimbledon.
ATP Eastbourne Day 2 Predictions
Lorenzo Sonego vs James Duckworth
Head-to-head: 1-0 Sonego
Neither player has been in the form they’d like, but Duckworth has been truly awful in 2022. He had not won a match all year before his two wins in qualifying here. Sonego has had trouble making a deep run, but has pulled together plenty of match wins on the year. Sonego is strong on all surfaces and comfortable enough on grass to cruise to victory.
Prediction: Sonego in 2
Ugo Humbert vs Thiago Monteiro
Head-to-head: first meeting
Humbert is in horrible form this year. After reaching the Top 25 a year ago, he has fallen outside the top-100 in the rankings. The move to grass should help him, as it has been his best surface. His career-best result in a major came at Wimbledon in 2019, and he went 8-2 last season on grass including capturing his most recent title in Halle. Monteiro is a great matchup for Humbert, as he is a clay-courter who prefers slower surfaces. His two qualifying matches were his first all season on grass, with neither player giving him much of a test. He rarely plays on the surface and is likely here as a Wimbledon tuneup. Even with Humbert’s form, this is an ideal matchup and he will serve big and win fairly easily.
Prediction: Humbert in 2
Dan Evans vs Adrian Mannarino
Head-to-head: 3-1 Evans
Evans has played well against Mannarino, winning both of their matches last year, including on grass in London. Mannarino reached the semis in S-Hertogenbosch and historically plays great tennis on grass. Evans loves the grass as well, winning his last three Challenger titles, including one just two weeks ago, on grass. Evans has been in great form and his powerful tennis with a home crowd behind him will make him tough to beat. Mannarino will hit enough creative shots to stay in the match, but Evans will eventually be too much to handle.
Prediction: Evans in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
