The third Slam of the season wrapped up over the weekend with Carlos Alcaraz and Marketa Vondrousova leaving the All England Club with their names etched in tennis history. The ATP Tour transitions over the Atlantic Ocean for the 2023 Infosys Hall of Fame Open in Newport, Rhode Island. The legendary grass courts at the International Tennis Hall of Fame welcome a 28-man draw with many young and hungry competitors. Day 2 features eight main draw matches, including four-time champion John Isner taking on Australian qualifier Alex Bolt. We at LWOT have the preview and prediction for that match and all other happenings around the grounds of Newport. But who will advance?
ATP Newport Day 2 Predictions
Steve Johnson vs Yunseong Chung
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Veteran American Steve Johnson has dropped outside the world’s top 200 and has won just one tour-level match this season. However, he did win the Bloomfield Hills Challenger three weeks ago and seemed to gain some confidence. He takes on qualifier Yunseong Chung in Round 1. The 25-year-old South Korean has been a solid player at the ITF level this year, but I struggle to see him bringing a level that will bother Johnson. The veteran American has much more experience on the grass and should be able to dictate the pace of this match.
Prediction: Johnson in 2
Max Purcell vs Gijs Brouwer
Head-to-Head: Purcell 1-1 Brouwer
Max Purcell and Gijs Brouwer will look to break their head-to-head deadlock when they square off in Newport. Their previous encounters were tight matches; I expect the same on Tuesday. Purcell has dominated the Challenger Level this year, holding a 34-7 record. However, he is just 2-6 in tour-level matches. Brouwer won three qualifying matches at the All England Club but has played inconsistent tennis this season. I expect this to be a back-and-forth match, but Purcell’s consistency will be the difference.
Prediction: Purcell in 3
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Constant Lestienne vs James Duckworth
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Veterans Constant Lestienne and James Duckworth square off for the first time with a spot in Newport’s second round on the line. Duckworth has been the much better player this year and has reached three Challenger finals. On the other hand, Lestienne is just 3-14 in his last 17 matches. Duckworth can control this match from the baseline and force the Frenchman into many errors.
Prediction: Duckworth in 2
John Isner vs Alex Bolt
Head-to-Head: Isner 1-0 Bolt
Four-time Newport Champion John Isner’s career is winding down, but he comes to Newport knowing a deep run at one of his favorite events is very well possible. Isner gets his 2023 Hall of Fame Open started against qualifier Alex Bolt. The 30-year-old Aussie did not drop a set in qualifying but does not have a strong history on the grass. Isner should be able to serve his way past Bolt, something he did in Los Cabos in 2021.
Prediction: Isner in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
