Neither Kazakhstan nor the Netherlands are amongst the favourites to go all the way at the Davis Cup Finals. But the competition has produced plenty of upsets over the years and both teams will thus surely be hoping to get off to a quick start in Group E. But who will claim an important win?
Davis Cup Finals Day 2 Predictions
Mikhail Kukushkin vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Head-to-head: first meeting
This one might be closer than it looks. Mikhail Kukushkin is the obvious favorite with his very flat, penetrating groundstrokes usually working well on faster surfaces. But the top-ranked Kazakh was forced to retire from his last match in the regular season, as he was hampered by a thigh-muscle injury in the quarterfinals at the Bratislava Challenger up against Damir Dzumhur.
The 24-year-old Botic Van de Zandschulp certainly has the game to cause an upset here. The Dutchman has plenty of power and has recently enjoyed great success indoors, winning his maiden Challenger in Hamburg. If Kukushkin isn’t fully fit, Van de Zandschulp has the quality to capitalise. Indeed, if Kukushkin is not fit, that will deal a real blow to Kazakhstan’s hopes, which are largely pinned on him.
Prediction: Van de Zandschulp in 3
Alexander Bublik vs Robin Haase
Head-to-head: first meeting
In what will be a match between two very entertaining players, Alexander Bublik takes on Robin Haase. For the Dutchman, it has been his worst season in many years. He dropped out of the top 100 and went looking for points at the ATP Challenger Tour, but was unsuccessful even there. On paper then, Bublik is the heavy favourite in this one. The Kazakh plays a risky, aggressive game and likes to look for unconventional shots, which could cause him problems. But the sheer power of his serve should be enough to overcome an opponent very low on confidence.
Prediction: Bublik in 2
Andrey Golubev and Aleksandr Nedovyesov vs Wesley Koolhof and Jean-Julien Rojer
Head-to-head: N/A
Andrey Golubev and Aleksandr Nedovyesov have recently partnered for a few ATP Challenger Tour events together and their game has been looking better and better with every event. That familiarity could give them a decisive edge over the Dutchmen Wesley Koolhof and Jean-Julien Roger, who do not play together regularly. Although neither Kazakh is a particularly big server, both have real ability in and around the net, as well as the quality to play off the ground when needed. Expect them to edge this.
Prediction: Golubev/Nedovyesov in 3
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