Alexander Bublik had a superb run to the title in Halle last week. The Kazakhstani’s swift return to action will be against Francisco Comesana in Eastbourne. Seven matches are on the slate for Day 2, and we at LWOT predict three of them in a separate article, including Flavio Cobolli vs Jacob Fearnley.
ATP Eastbourne Day 2 Predictions
Aleksandar Vukic vs James Duckworth
Head-to-head: Vukic 1-0 Duckworth
Both players must view this as a great opportunity, having both qualified. Vukic is more dangerous on grass when he finds his range, but the Australian is often erratic. Nonetheless, he is backed to find enough powerful hitting to see off his compatriot Duckworth, who might find it challenging to keep up with Vukic’s powerful ball striking on a grass court.
Prediction: Vukic in 2
Nuno Borges vs Jack Pinnington Jones
Head-to-head: First meeting
This is an intriguing matchup. Borges’ ranking is much superior to Pinnington Jones’, but the Portuguese player struggles more on grass than on any surface. Pinnington Jones showed what he can do on the surface by reaching a Challenger Tour final in Ilkley just over a week ago. With a home crowd behind him against an opponent who probably cannot wait for the grass-court season to end each year, Pinnington Jones could achieve an upset at ATP Eastbourne.
Prediction: Pinnington Jones in 3
Cameron Norrie vs Billy Harris
Head-to-head: First meeting
Expect plenty of lengthy rallies between two men who extend many of the points rather than trying to strike winners all over the court. On grass, I favor Norrie to implement that style more effectively. Harris is 1-3 during this grass court swing, and has not shown enough this year or previously to make me believe an upset is likely.
Prediction: Norrie in 2
Alexander Bublik vs Francisco Comesana
Head-to-head: First meeting
Despite specializing on clay throughout most of his career, Comesana showed he can play on grass by reaching the third round of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. There is always a risk that title winners will suffer a significant drop after their moment of glory. However, none of Bublik’s matches in Halle were very physical. Comesana will find it challenging to keep up with him if the Kazakhstani reaches a similar level to last week.
Prediction: Bublik in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
