Day 2 of action in Queens underperformed, with only Carlos Alcaraz’s three-set win revving the day’s action. After a disappointing loss from Andy Murray, fans will have to turn to new Brits in the second biggest British tennis tournament. Day 3 of the ATP Queen’s Club Championships features four seeds, all of whom won in easy two sets in their openers; but they’ll have some more competition in Round 2. We at LWOT have predicted who from these four matches will move onto the quarterfinals, with the other four second-round matches being played on Thursday.
ATP Queen’s Club Day 3 Predictions
Lorenzo Musetti vs Ben Shelton
Head-to-head: First meeting
Musetti’s grass court season has been average so far; the Italian played well against Tiafoe yet fell in three sets, and his first round match was against a British wild card. While Shelton is new to the grass, the American’s game style definitely translates well to the fast surface. Shelton’s first grass match against Wolf was exciting to watch, with hot shots aplenty in the second set. Ultimately, Shelton should grow on this surface in the future and will eventually win this kind of matchup, but Musetti should have too much in the tank on this occasion.
Prediction: Musetti in 3
Jordan Thompson vs Cameron Norrie
Head-to-head: Norrie 3-2
Their fifth meeting, this match is their first matchup in over three years. This small rivalry helped kick off Norrie’s career in 2017, as he beat the Aussie in a Challenger Tour final to begin his rise up the rankings. Most of their matches have also gone to a deciding set, with their one Grand Slam battle in New York ending in a long four setter. Norrie has had a solid start to his grass court season, yet Thompson could certainly do damage on this surface with his serve & volley strategy. However, the Aussie may be too tired from his S-Hertogenbosch final run, allowing Norrie to wear Thomspon out as he does time after time.
Prediction: Norrie in 2
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Ryan Peniston vs Holger Rune
Head-to-head: Peniston 1-0
This is definitely a more interesting match than it seems at first glance. Peniston is a giant killer on grass, with all of his wins on the green. In front of home fans, he’s taken out Ruud, Cerundolo, and in fact Rune in last year’s Eastbourne event. Meanwhile, Rune looked great in his opening round match against Cressy, a dangerous serve & volleyer. The Dane served well when needed, and produced some clutch shots late in the second set. With that, Rune should have too much quality and experience for this one, but it could be a very close two-setter. If Peniston can snatch a set, it could give him a plethora of momentum.
Prediction: Rune in 2
Frances Tiafoe vs Sebastian Korda
Head-to-head: Tiafoe 3-1
An exciting all American showdown, these two have produced a mini rivalry already in their early career. This is their first match on grass, a surface where Tiafoe might have a slight edge overall. However, Korda looked impressive dispatching the home favorite Evans, producing some sublime tweeners along the way. With Tiafoe now playing his sixth match in a week, fans have to wonder when he’ll get tired. Going for the upset on this one, as Korda will be looking to get some matches in to reproduce his top level.
Prediction: Korda in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
