The French Open is in the distant past. We’ve had a few smaller grass-court tournaments here and there but now we’re back in thick of the tour’s most prestigious events–starting with the ATP Queen’s Club Championships.
It’s the first day of action at the Cinch Championships at the Queen’s Club in London. Which players will hit the ground running in time for the third major of the year and which will fall by the wayside? We’ve tried to predict four of the seven matches taking place on Day 1. We’ve also published an article predicting the outcomes of the other four.
ATP Queen’s Club Day 1 Predictions
Diego Schwartzman vs Mackenzie McDonald
Head-to-head: Schwartzman 1-0 McDonald
It almost defies logic that we would see Diego Schwartzman drop outside of the top 100. Here we are though and the Argentinian’s confidence is at an all time low, a couple of wins scraped together at the French Open providing a silver lining to an otherwise terrible clay swing.
Mackenzie McDonald is a good match-up for Schwartzman but, on grass, with his confidence this shot, we’re not sure he can put together enough to get over the finishing line.
Prediction: McDonald in 3
Tommy Paul vs Francisco Cerundolo
Head-to-head: Paul 1-0 Cerundolo
The forehand power of Francisco Cerundolo is felt on each and every surface. It’s just a little easier to keep him off-balance on that wing on grass than it is on clay. Ultimately, however, Cerundolo’s weapon of choice should still make him a serious threat against most players.
Tommy Paul felt the wrath of the Cerundolo forehand on grass last year in Eastbourne. Though the American’s game is pretty potent on grass, Paul survived that day by the skin of his teeth. There will likely be similar ebbs and flows to their previous meeting but Paul’s choice to come through qualifying might stand him in slightly better stead than Cerundolo.
Prediction: Paul in 3
[cta id=4014 type=cta]
Sebastian Korda vs Dan Evans
Head-to-head: Korda 1-0 Evans
Sebastian Korda at his best is a grass-court dream. A decent serve, flashy returns, a willingness to take the ball early with intent; the American has it all but is he ready to start mixing it with the best again after sustaining that wrist injury in Australia?
We think he has what it takes to beat Dan Evans. Neither player is going into this match with any grass-court matches on the season and, whilst Evan’s slice is obviously vicious on this surface, his inability to win frequent free points on serve has historically left him battling against the percentages. There may be question marks over Korda but he’s got to get going at some point–Queen’s would be a very good place to restart his season.
Prediction: Korda in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
