Defending champion Hubert Hurkacz will start his Halle campaign against Christopher Eubanks. Meanwhile, Andrey Rublev faces an extremely uncomfortable opponent in the opening round – Yibing Wu. Can the Pole kick off his title defense well and will Rublev survive this challenge? Who do you think will advance?
ATP Halle Day 2 Predictions
Daniel Altmaier vs Roberto Bautista Agut
Head-to-head: First meeting
Roberto Bautista Agut used to be such a phenomenal grass-court player, but can he deliver again this year? He was injured recently and had to withdraw from Hertogenbosch, so we’re not quite sure if he’s match-fit already. Daniel Altmaier retired in the qualifying here but still made it as a lucky loser, which makes this much quite weird. The grass expertise of the Spaniard should help him prevail, but only if he’s back to full health.
Prediction: Bautista Agut in 3
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Hubert Hurkacz vs Christopher Eubanks
Head-to-head: First meeting
Hubert Hurkacz is the defending champion in Halle, but playing fellow big servers on grass can always get tricky. The Pole hasn’t been playing quite as well as in 2022, although he did reach the semifinals in Stuttgart last week. Pitting him against Christopher Eubanks, it seems like he should have the edge. Targeting the American’s one-handed backhand on serve will be a tactic and Hurkacz handles lower-bouncing balls much better with his great movement.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 2
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Andrey Rublev vs Yibing Wu
Head-to-head: First meeting
This isn’t an easy opener for Andrey Rublev as he’ll be facing an extremely talented shotmaker. Yibing Wu has struggled a bit since his breakout run in Dallas, but the Chinese can always be dangerous on a quicker court where his shot selection and rally tolerance isn’t that much of an issue. With this being Rublev’s first match on grass this year, it feels like there’s a lot of potential for an upset here if Wu just keeps things together and plays his game.
Prediction: Wu in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
