Five singles main draw matches remain to be completed in the opening round of the 2023 ATP Rothesay International in Eastbourne. 2021 runner-up Lorenzo Sonego opens his campaign against the recent Madrid quarterfinalist Zhizhen Zhang. Who do you think will advance?
ATP Eastbourne Day 2 Predictions
Mackenzie McDonald vs Marco Cecchinato
Head-to-head: 1-1
Marco Cechinato actually made the semifinals in Eastbourne in 2019, but has never won a single grass-court match at any other event. His most recent couple of results really didn’t make it seem like he’s in great shape either. Mackenzie McDonald’s aggressive flat-hitting style just corresponds with the surface much better than the heavy topspin on both wings that Cecchinato brings to the court.
Prediction: McDonald in 2
Liam Broady vs Jan Choinski
Head-to-head: First meeting
Some Brits don’t necessarily enjoy grass courts that much and these two are definitely examples of that. Jan Choinski grew up in Germany though and Liam Broady just couldn’t quite land any results on this surface until recently. He totally should though with the unpleasant flat backhand and he finally made a run at Wimbledon last year. He is definitely the favorite to beat Choinski here as well.
Prediction: Broady in 3
Mikael Ymer vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Head-to-head: Ymer 2-1
Both players lost their last few matches and it’s actually pretty hard to tell who’s going to utilize the grass court better here. Botic van de Zandschulp has the bigger weapons, but Mikael Ymer’s grit and foot speed are important assets in quicker conditions too. Someone is going to grab a much-needed win here. Maybe a small edge can be granted to the Dutchman, who prevailed in their meeting in Dubai earlier this year.
Prediction: van de Zandschulp in 3
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Daniel Elahi Galan vs Maxime Cressy
Head-to-head: First meeting
Maxime Cressy needs a run very soon as he is currently on an 11-match losing streak and has to defend his runner-up points here. He didn’t have much momentum going into the grass season last year either and managed to turn it around. The double fault count has skyrocketed recently but if he cannot beat a rather inexperienced grass-courter in Daniel Elahi Galan here, he’ll be in real trouble.
Prediction: Cressy in 2
Zhizhen Zhang vs Lorenzo Sonego
Head-to-head: First meeting
Zhizhen Zhang has a huge game, but he also enjoys having a lot of time on the ball. Lorenzo Sonego is just a more natural grass-courter with the ability to take it early and plenty of experience on the surface, including the final in Eastbourne two years ago. Zhang’s serve will be tough to handle here, but Sonego should have a clear edge off the ground as well.
Prediction: Sonego in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
