GB host Ecuador in the World Group qualifying round today, and we've got two singles picks from the tie to break down. Both matches look good for the home side on paper, but Davis Cup has a way of making things complicated.
Davis Cup World Group Q2 Predictions
Arthur Fery vs Andres Andrade
Head-to-head: First meeting
Fery is ranked 167 places above Andrade and has been one of the more impressive British players on the tour over the past year, so on paper this shouldn't be close. Andrade is ranked 203rd and has done little at this level to suggest he can trouble a top-40 player on a neutral hard court surface.
That said, Davis Cup singles can get nervy, and Fery hasn't had a huge amount of experience in tie situations like this. Still, the ranking gap is too big to look past, and I think he gets through this one even if it takes him a set to find his footing, all things considered.
Prediction: Fery in 3
Toby Samuel vs Alvaro Guillen Meza
Head-to-head: First meeting
Samuel comes in ranked 95th, and Guillen Meza at 293rd, a ranking that places him well outside the top 200, is simply outgunned here. Hard to see this being competitive at all. Samuel has been solid on the Challenger circuit and at this level he's the clear class act in the match and I feel like he won't need three sets to prove it. Guillen Meza would need a career day just to stay competitive, and there's not much in his recent results to suggest that's coming.
Samuel in straight sets, and GB should be in a strong position in the tie after day one.
Prediction: Samuel in 2
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Scott Stuart/ZUMA Press Wire