With the Sunshine Double behind us, we welcome scrappy battles, bad bounces and good old fashioned line judges… the clay season is upon us! Our first ATP stop is in Houston where we’re being treated to matches from Americans Brandon Nakashima, Chris Eubanks and J.J. Wolf. As always at LWOT, we’ve tried to predict the outcome of the day’s play.
ATP Houston Day 1 Predictions
Brandon Nakashima vs Duje Ajdukovic
Head-to-head: First meeting
It’s not the best surface for Brandon Nakashima but the American is finally gaining a little traction. The last few months have been promising and suggest Nakashima is back to playing clinical tennis. Duje Ajdukovic will keep things awkward where he can but we trust in Nakashima’s recent form enough to back him for the win.
Prediction: Nakashima in 3
Zizou Bergs vs Patrick Kypson
Head-to-head: Bergs 1-0 Kypson
Patrick Kypson’s level has raised massively. He took full advantage of a wild card into Delray Beach with a first win over a top 50 player in Miomir Kecmanovic and continues to impress. Zizou Bergs is the more experienced of the two and has a great peak. We think Kypson has the slight edge however–he’s warmed up having come through qualifying and he’ll be more used to the bounce of American clay than Bergs.
Prediction: Kypson in 3
J.J. Wolf vs Alexander Ritschard
Head-to-head: Wolf 1-0 Ritschard
The recent results of J.J. Wolf speak for themselves. The normally flashy and entertaining player has lost a lot of confidence and doesn’t much like the attrition of clay. Alexander Ritschard hits a huge ball and isn’t the kind of player you want to play when you lack confidence. No rhythm could potentially see Wolf packing his bags early doors here in Houston.
Prediction: Ritschard in 2
Christopher Eubanks vs Rinky Hijikata
Head-to-head: Hijikata 1-0 Eubanks
If Chris Eubanks had to pick ideal clay court conditions, Houston would probably be up there as close to his favourite. The conditions are pretty quick and bouncy suiting the American’s ridiculous height–let’s not forget we’ve seen Opelka, Isner, and Karlovic all win the title here. The American hasn’t lived up to the Wimbledon quarterfinal hype so could get caught in a difficult match against a quality returner in Rinky Hijikata. Still, there’s no denying this is a good chance for Eubanks to get a much-needed win on home soil.
Prediction: Eubanks in 3
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
