Two former champions will be in action at the ATP U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships in Houston on Wednesday. Steve Johnson takes on Frances Tiafoe in an all-American battle, while John Isner will try to score a win against last year’s quarterfinalist Gijs Brouwer. Who do you think will prevail?
ATP Houston Day 3 Predictions
Daniel Elahi Galan vs Jason Kubler
Head-to-head: Galan 2-0
American clay was a very happy hunting ground for Daniel Elahi Galan last year and he coincidentally picked up wins over Jason Kubler in Tallahassee and Sarasota. The Colombian really needs a big result right now as he arrived in Houston with a 2-9 win/loss record for the year. That one win over Zhizhen Zhang doesn’t solve his problems, but it’s a start. With Kubler not looking too convincing against Fernando Verdasco in his opener, Galan has a nice chance to keep going.
Prediction: Galan in 3
Denis Kudla vs J.J. Wolf
Head-to-head: 2-2
Out of their four meetings so far, none took place on a clay court. Both can often struggle on clay, even on the one in Houston that’s usually so much easier to adapt to for hard courters. In fact, Denis Kudla has never been past the second round here in eight editions, while J.J. Wolf is only playing it for the second time. The 24-year-old might have an easier time here than his older compatriot, because his clay issues come from suspect rally tolerance. Kudla’s flat strokes just don’t penetrate the surface that well.
Prediction: Wolf in 3
John Isner vs Gijs Brouwer
Head-to-head: First meeting
Gijs Brouwer had an absolutely huge run in Houston last year, even though it started on a controversial call match point down in the qualifying. It sparked a wonderful run for the Dutchman, one that culminated in him being one match away from breaking the top 100 in Rotterdam this year. John Isner has already made a final in Dallas in 2023, but didn’t win a match in his other five events. The 2013 champion usually does well here and the balance of slightly faster clay plus high bounce helps his ground game tremendously.
Prediction: Isner in 2
Frances Tiafoe vs Steve Johnson
Head-to-head: Johnson 2-0
Frances Tiafoe has never really produced any magic in Houston, but that’s also because the 25-year-old has only played it once since 2019, losing to John Isner in a competitive quarterfinal last year. Meanwhile, Steve Johnson once won this event back-to-back in 2017 and 2018. The question is how close to his peak disposition can the veteran play on Sunday? Based on his performances over the past six months or so, beating someone like Tiafoe might turn out to be extremely challenging for him at the moment.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
