Jack Draper continues his preparation for Wimbledon at the ATP Eastbourne Open. The former World No. 4 faces Jack Pinnington for a spot in the quarterfinals. Who will advance?
ATP Eastbourne Day 3 Predictions
Arthur Fery vs Juan Manuel Cerundolo
Head-to-head: first meeting
Juan Manuel Cerundolo made waves at the French Open. He memorably defeated World No. 1 Jannik Sinner from two sets down. It was a result and performance that will live long in his memory. But this is now the most testing phase of his season. Before this week, he had never won a match on grass, but buoyed by his brother’s title success at Queen’s, the 24-year-old stunned Raphael Collignon in the first round. That said, Fery plays a more direct brand of tennis, and these conditions should suit his style. His record on grass is far superior.
Prediction: Fery in 2
Daniel Altmaier vs Zizou Bergs
Head-to-head: Altmaier 1-0 Bergs
After last week’s high of reaching his first career semifinal on grass, the question was whether Altmaier would replicate that. He’s backed up that run by toppling Aleksandar Kovacevic in the opening round, and a quarterfinal spot beckons should he beat Bergs. The Belgian’s grass-court credentials include a title win at the 2022 Ilkey Challenger and a runner-up finish in Den Bosch last season. His steady level should be enough to halt Altmaier’s momentum at ATP Eastbourne.
Prediction: Bergs in 3
Ugo Humbert vs Jenson Brooksby
Head-to-head: Brooksby 2-1 Humbert
This is a rematch from the semifinals a year ago. Brooksby rallied from a set down to beat Humbert. The Frenchman had a brutal opening match this week, where he survived Mattia Bellucci in two hours and 43 minutes. Humbert can look a bit less fluid when he’s forced into extended rallies, and that is where Brooksby excels. The American has thrived in this matchup, winning their last two meetings. But Humbert’s serve still carries more weight, giving Brooksby less time to react and set up returns. It’s a question about consistency.
Prediction: Humbert in 3
Jack Draper vs Jack Pinnington Jones
Head-to-head: first meeting
Jack Draper’s partnership with Andy Murray got off to a winning start. The 24-year-old withstood a late fightback from Marcos Giron to prevail 6-4 7-6 at the ATP Eastbourne Open. Pinnington Jones, for his part, came from a set down to beat Argentina’s clay-court specialist Marco Trungelliti to progress. Pinnington Jones enters this match sitting at least 15 places above Draper in the rankings. But that is largely due to Draper’s absence from the tour because of injuries. When fully fit, there’s still a clear gap between them. And in terms of pure tennis, Draper is the superior player in just about every facet.
Prediction: Draper in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – Imagn Images
