There has been much superb tennis played at ATP Eastbourne throughout the week. Ugo Humbert and Zizou Bergs are the final two players standing and will play for the title on Sunday. We give our prediction in this article, but which players do you think will finish as the men’s winner in Eastbourne?
ATP Eastbourne Final Prediction
Ugo Humbert vs Zizou Bergs
Head-to-head: Humbert 1-0 Bergs
Humbert’s closest match was in the opening round against Mattia Bellucci. The Frenchman narrowly prevailed 7-6 6-7 6-4 after a very close battle that could have gone either way. He then did not drop a set in triumphs over Jenson Brooksby, Quentin Halys, and Jack Draper. Bergs was pushed in a three-set semifinal against the home favorite Toby Samuel, benefited from Daniel Altmaier retiring in the second set of their match, and secured straight-set victories over Jaume Munar and Jan Choinski.
Both players naturally try to play aggressively, and the effect of that style is amplified on grass. At his best, Humbert implements that game with more power and devastation than Bergs. He also possesses a more potent serve, which means Bergs will almost certainly be on the defensive more here than in his previous matches. The Belgian’s solid movement, often a problem for players at pre-Wimbledon grass-court events, gives him some opportunity to counter those advantages his opponent has.
I expect Bergs to be competitive and to probably win a set at some stage. However, I am backing Humbert’s greater firepower to prove decisive. He played outstandingly against Draper, and it would be surprising if he did not secure the title if he performs anywhere near that level. Bergs is not a bad defensive player, but scrapping for lengthy stages does not naturally suit him. Doing it over three sets against an opponent as good as Humbert will likely prove challenging at ATP Eastbourne.
Prediction: Humbert in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
