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 one–we’ve also published an article predicting the outcomes of the other three.
ATP Queen’s Club Day 1 Predictions
Ugo Humbert vs Ryan Peniston
Head-to-head: First meeting
The Brits tend to take advantage of their wildcards, training on the surface to get a one-up on opponents that are otherwise engrossed in the clay wing. Consequently, Ryan Peniston had a great grass-court breakout last year, defeating Ruud, Rune and Cerundolo in Queen’s and Eastbourne.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see him take a few more scalps–unfortunately, he’s had pretty bad luck with the draw here at Queen’s Club. Ugo Humbert is one of the few players that can play very well on a grass-court plus his lefty swings will take away the lefty advantage Peniston might have had over other players. Humbert just has too much firepower for this one.
Prediction: Humbert in 2
Lorenzo Musetti vs Jan Choinski
Head-to-head: First meeting
Lorenzo Musetti may not seem suited to grass but he’s improved his one-handed backhand return on faster courts since last year. Losing a very tight match to eventual champion, Frances Tiafoe, tells us a lot–the Italian can play on this surface even if he’s not quite at his most comfortable.
It would therefore be a pretty big upset for Jan Choinski to defeat Musetti. This is a surface that rewards flashy swings of the racket and Choinski isn’t that kind of player. He’s won just one match on grass in eight years in defeating the world #680. The difference in class will likely be distinct.
Prediction: Musetti in 2
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J.J. Wolf vs Ben Shelton
Head-to-head: Shelton 1-0 Wolf
Anyone else excited to see Ben Shelton’s first match on grass? The American’s serve is extremely explosive and he’s a very competent serve-and-volleyer. He’s one of the few up-and-comers that should be very comfortable in these conditions.
J.J. Wolf is flashy enough to fashion himself some opportunities but we are rating Shelton’s potential very highly. The lucky loser will be fighting an uphill battle.
Prediction: Shelton in 2
Miomir Kecmanovic vs Cameron Norrie
Head-to-head: Norrie 2-0 Kecmanovic
Some might take a look at Cam Norrie’s season so far without being impressed. Don’t kid yourself–the Brit is playing as reliably and steadily as ever, posting nearly three times as many wins as he has losses. Whether he’s using his forehand to grind down his opponents on clay or using his skidding backhand to completely throw them off their rhythm, Norrie is damaging on all surfaces.
Miomir Kecmanovic could have done with an easier draw to find a bit of form. He’s won one of his last seven matches, a loss from two sets up to Andrea Vavassori in the first-round of the French Open very possibly still clouding the psyche. Norrie should be able to find any cracks in the Serb’s game.
Prediction: Norrie in 2
Main Photo Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
