Just two weeks away from Wimbledon now, the ATP Cinch Open at the Queen’s Club in London is in full swing. After thrilling matches between including a shock early exit from Holger Rune and a third-set tiebreak victory for Milos Raonic, the remainder of the first round take place. With the in-form Alex De Minaur battling the ever-tricky Lorenzo Musetti, who will be victorious?
ATP Queen’s Club Day 2 Predictions
Jack Draper vs Mariano Navone
Head-to-head: 0-0
The new British #1 has flourished in the grass season and is finally enjoying a sustained clean bill of health. Up against the world number #29, he will have his work cut out although admittedly the Argentine doesn’t have much grass court pedigree. Draper’s major lefty serve and monstrous forehand will see him through comfortably.
Prediction: Draper in 2
Ben Shelton vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
Head-to-head: 0-0
This is sure to be box-office entertainment. Shelton saw his grass court season start disappointingly with an opening round loss to James Duckworth last week. His French opponent took Lorenzo Musetti to two tiebreaks and showed considerable nerves to save match point after match point. Two men who never shy away from approaching the net, don’t expect many long rallies. A slight upset may be on the cards.
Prediction: Mpetshi Perricard in 3
Tomas Martin Etcheverry vs Billy Harris
Head-to-head: 0-0
A solid baseline player against somewhat of an unknown to the casual tennis fan. Etcheverry goes in as a real favorite but up against the big serving home favorite he may find himself somewhat perplexed early on. The should will be high in confidence after sealing the Surbiton trophy. Etcheverry will steady the ship and pick apart a rather one-dimensional game though and silence the home crows.
Prediction: Etcheverry in 3
Alex De Minaur vs Lorenzo Musetti
Head-to-head: 0-1
The fact that this is a first round match can be seen as rather amusing as both come into this clash in some really solid form. se Minaur boasts a career high ranking of seven and has just come off racking his second title of the season in s-Hertogenbosch. Musetti has also seen improvements made in his game this season, particularly in the serving region. However, the Aussie’s flat strokes paired with world-class movement means that he will continue his winning run and book a place in the last 16.
Prediction: de Minaur in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
