After the first half of Davis Cup Qualifiers kicked off on Friday, the second half will begin play tomorrow. Can Soonwoo Kwon lead Korea to a home upset of David Goffin’s Belgium? As always, we here at LWOT will preview and predict every match. Who do you think will win?
Davis Cup Predictions: Korea Republic vs Belgium
Soonwoo Kwon vs Zizou Bergs
Head-to-head: first meeting
Kwon has enjoyed a very strong start to the season, becoming the first lucky loser to win an ATP title since 2018. It was the Korean’s second career title and despite his loss to Tomas Machac in qualifying, more impressive. Kwon took revenge on the Czech in the main draw before ousting Pablo Carreno Busta, Jack Draper and outlasting Roberto Bautista Agut in a third-set tiebreak in the final. Bergs’ talent is undeniable but whether due to fitness or other factors, the young Belgian sometimes puts in really horrendous performances. This was the case at the United Cup where Bergs lost to No. 637 Stefanos Sakellaridis and won just two games against Dimitar Kuzmanov. His level improved in Melbourne, qualifying for the main draw, but he lost again in his most recent match to Borna Gojo on indoor hard. Kwon should be the favorite here, especially at home.
Prediction: Kwon in 2
Seong Chan Hong vs David Goffin
Head-to-head: first meeting
Hong had a surprise emergence on the Challenger Tour last year, first breaking out with a lucky loser run to the semifinals in Busan before going all the way to the title Matsuyama. The 25-year-old got another Challenger semifinals run in Nonthaburi two weeks ago, breaking into the Top 250. After missing the Australian Open through an illness, Goffin bounced back very well at a Challenger 125 in Belgium. The 32-year-old dropped just one set en route to the title, defeating Mikael Ymer in the final. This will be an interesting test of Hong’s qualities but Goffin should win out.
Prediction: Goffin in 2
Soonwoo Kwon vs David Goffin
Head-to-head: first meeting
The match that will likely decide the tie. The doubles could go either way with both Korea and Belgium having strong teams that both have a chance to win. This will also be the case in the battle of No. 1s between Kwon and Goffin. Both players enter with titles under their belts in 2023. This should be a great battle but I expect Goffin’s experience to give him the edge here. Kwon is certainly capable of winning this match too.
Prediction: Goffin in 3
Seong Chan Hong vs Zizou Bergs
Head-to-head: first meeting
If the match comes down to a potential deciding fifth rubber, Belgium should hold the edge. Bergs should be able to dominate most points on indoor hard over Hong. Even if Zizou Bergs is not at his best, Joris De Loore is 14-2 on the season with one Challenger title and a final.
Prediction: Bergs in 2.
Main Photo from Getty Images
