We’ve had plenty of last-minute withdrawals at the ATP 250 in Eastbourne, but No. 3 seed Alexander Bublik is still there trying to gain some momentum ahead of Wimbledon. While he couldn’t defend his Halle title last week, the Kazakh has been a contender for many titles in 2024. In the second round in Eastbourne, he’ll take on Aleksandar Vukic. Who do you think will prevail?
ATP Eastbourne Day 3 Predictions
Emil Ruusuvuori vs Juncheng Shang
Head-to-head: First meeting
It was a match of two players desperately needing a win when Emil Ruusuvuori took on Cameron Norrie on Tuesday. The Finn ended up prevailing and now gets to take on qualifier Juncheng Shang. His power could bother the youngster, but with the recent form of Ruusuvuori it’s unclear whether his level of execution will be good enough here. Shang is a grass-court natural with plenty of variety he can employ on natural surfaces and could secure another ATP Tour quarterfinal here.
Prediction: Shang in 3
Miomir Kecmanovic vs Sebastian Baez
Head-to-head: First meeting
Players who end up drawing Sebastian Baez in the grass swing this year likely won’t be too disappointed about it despite his high ranking. The Argentinian has won grass matches in the past, but it’s clear he’s not a Top 20 player on the surface. Miomir Kecmanovic should like his chances here and while his rock-solid baseline game isn’t designed for courts like this either, he’s got a much better serve and even made the Antalya final back in 2019 (and the Eastbourne quarterfinals last year).
Prediction: Kecmanovic in 2
Lorenzo Sonego vs Max Purcell
Head-to-head: Sonego 1-0
Max Purcell needed a better grass season than last year with his last few months being pretty much a bust. He’s kind of getting it with a successful qualifying campaign in Halle, but it took him until Eastbourne to post that main draw win over Laslo Djere. Lorenzo Sonego beat him in Eastbourne three years ago and will be very much aware of the danger Purcell’s mixture of big serve and slice grinding can cause on grass. The 2021 runner-up remains the favorite, but needs to be very cautious here.
Prediction: Sonego in 3
Alexander Bublik vs Aleksandar Vukic
Head-to-head: 1-1
Alexander Bublik failed to defend his Halle title, but he’s still doing pretty well this season and showing a lot of determination that was often missing from his game in the past. Most of this year we’ve just been witnessing what happens when the Kazakh brings his full focus to the court. While Aleksandar Vukic is only here thanks to a lucky loser opportunity, he knows how to handle a grass court and recently defeated Karen Khachanov. It might not be easy, but Bublik the grinder that we got to know this year is the favorite.
Prediction: Bublik in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
