The men’s grass court swing is officially underway at the HSBC Championships in West Kensington, ATP Queen’s Club. With defending champion Carlos Alcaraz absent, the draw is wide open, and Monday’s opening round sets the stage nicely for players looking to build momentum and hungry qualifiers or wild cards hoping to cause upsets on the slick surface. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule. But who will advance?
ATP Queen’s Club Day 1 Predictions
Botic van de Zandschulp vs Harry Wendelken
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Botic van de Zandschulp has shown flashes of his best tennis this season, including solid runs earlier in the year and some competitive grass outings. The tall Dutchman moves well for his size and can dictate with his serve and forehand when things click. He’s coming off a loss in ‘s-Hertogenbosch but has the pedigree to adapt quickly to these conditions.
Harry Wendelken, the British qualifier, earned his way in and brings home-crowd energy. At 24, he’s been building momentum on the Challenger circuit with some strong hard-court results, but grass is a different challenge. His game relies on consistency and fighting spirit rather than overwhelming power.
This should be a solid test for van de Zandschulp early on. He has the tools to control the bigger points on grass. Wendelken will push him, but the experience edge helps the Dutchman pull through in straight sets.
Prediction: van de Zandschulp in 3
Jack Pinnington Jones vs Denis Shapovalov
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Jack Pinnington Jones, the British wild card, has been making steady progress and enjoys playing at home on grass. His game suits the surface with good athleticism and a solid baseline foundation. Recent Challenger results show he can compete when the crowd is behind him.
Denis Shapovalov brings big lefty serve and flashy shot-making that can light up grass courts. He’s had an up-and-down season but possesses the natural talent to trouble anyone when his timing is on. His experience at this level is a big plus.
This has the feel of a lively matchup with plenty of winners. Shapovalov’s serve and creativity should edge it out in what could be an entertaining three-setter, though the home support will make Pinnington Jones dangerous.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 3
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard vs Corentin Moutet
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard is a big server who can dominate on grass when his first serve lands. He’s shown strong grass results in patches this season and has the height and power to make life tough in shorter points.
Corentin Moutet is crafty with good variety and touch, but grass can limit his effectiveness if he can’t find rhythm. He’s had a mixed season and will need to use his lefty angles creatively to disrupt bigger hitters.
Mpetshi Perricard’s serve should prove decisive in the quicker conditions. Moutet can make it awkward, but the Frenchman’s power edges this one.
Prediction: Mpetshi Perricard in 2
Tommy Paul vs Zachary Svajda
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Tommy Paul knows this venue well and has enjoyed success on grass in recent years, including a title here a couple of seasons back. His all-court game, quick hands at the net, and ability to vary pace make him dangerous on faster surfaces. He enters with decent form and confidence from recent tournaments.
Zachary Svajda earned a lucky loser spot and has been competitive at Challenger level. The young American can strike cleanly from the baseline and has shown improvement, but grass exposes movement and serve returns more than other surfaces. His grass record at higher levels remains limited.
Paul’s familiarity with the conditions and well-rounded game should give him control. Svajda will have moments, but Paul’s variety and experience should prevail.
Prediction: Paul in 2
Main Photo Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
