First-round action concludes on Day 2 of the ATP 250 in Eastbourne. Former US Open finalist Kei Nishikori will play his first match on grass since 2021. Two British players will also be in action. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for all the matches on the slate. Four matches, including Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Lorenzo Sonego, are in a separate article. Who do you think will advance?
ATP Eastbourne Day 2 Predictions
Cameron Norrie vs Emil Ruusuvuori
Head-to-head: Norrie 1-1 Ruusuvuori
This could end up being a disastrous build-up to Wimbledon for the former British No. 1 Norrie. He’s lost his last two matches on grass, including a humiliating defeat to Jack Pinnington Jones, ranked outside the Top 600 at the Nottingham Challenger. Ruusuvuori has not fared any better in recent matches and was soundly beaten by Shimabukuro in Surbiton. After a bright start to 2024 with a runner-up finish in Hong Kong, injuries have curtailed the Finn’s momentum. It’s a choice between two players who have underachieved in the last two months, but there is hope Norrie’s versatility and variety will give him a slight edge.
Prediction: Norrie in 3
Liam Broady vs Yoshihito Nishioka
Head-to-head: Nishioka 1-0 Broady
Broady will finally make his long-awaited return since March. He’s been plagued by an ankle injury. In fact, his comeback at the start of June was delayed after accidentally hitting his head on a car boot, which resulted in a concussion. One place you can expect him to turn up is the grass-court swing on home soil. But there are serious questions regarding his fitness and form. Nishioka came through two qualifying rounds here without losing a set and is well-placed to keep him at bay with his clean hitting.
Prediction: Nishioka in 2
Kei Nishikori vs Mariano Navone
Head-to-head: first meeting
This will be Nishikori’s third tournament of 2024. His resilience is remarkable, given the severity of some of the injuries he’s been through in the last two seasons. Navone is having a great year, and he’ll be seeded in his second straight Grand Slam main draw at Wimbledon. He may be the higher-ranked player in this matchup, but Navone is a novice on this surface. He’s only played two matches in his career on grass before this week. Fitness permitting, the experienced Nishikori should be winning here.
Prediction: Nishikori in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
