The last grass event of the ATP season is being played in Newport as always; while the field might look weak on paper, this is still a historic event of the tour, which always produces interesting matches with unpredictable outcomes. As expected, there are lots of American players in the draw, as well as players whose favorite surface is grass looking to get a rare ATP level title.
ATP Newport Day 2 Predictions
Ethan Quinn vs Marc Polmans
Head-to-head: first meeting
This is a very rare matchup between two players outside the Top 200 at ATP level and therefore a huge chance for both to get a rare win at this level. Given that they never faced each other before, it’s even harder to predict how this one will go. Polmans made it through qualifying here playing some very good tennis and that extra match play and confidence might make the difference for him here.
Prediction: Polmans in 3
Jakub Mensik vs Alex Bolt
Head-to-head: first meeting
Both players had first round exits at Wimbledon, but while Bolt fell meekly to Casper Ruud, Mensik actually played quite decently in a five-set loss to Bublik. The 18-year-old Czech has been making some very nice progress this year, even making an ATP final in Doha, and has a good chance to make a real good run here. He should be able to make it through this first round with relative ease.
Prediction: Mensik in 2
Mackenzie McDonald vs Rinky Hijikata
Head-to-head: Hijikata 1-0 McDonald
Their one previous meeting was last year on grass and Hijikata won in three sets. Neither player has had a good grass season so far, with Hijikata’s run to the quarterfinals at Queen’s the only highlight. Just like when they faced last year, it should a tightly contested match with against Hijikata having a very slight edge.
Prediction: Hijikata in 3
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
