We've got three picks from the Chengdu Open qualifying today, with a bit of rain in the air and temperatures sitting around 70°F. Some interesting names here given the ranking levels involved in qualifying, so let's get into it.
Chengdu Open Predictions
Tallon Griekspoor vs Denis Shapovalov
Head-to-head: Griekspoor 1-1 Shapovalov
The H2H is level but doesn't tell the full story. Both players are capable of big tennis on hard courts, but Shapovalov has looked sharper recently and his one-handed backhand gives him angles Griekspoor simply can't replicate. Griekspoor is a solid hard-court player and not someone you'd normally expect to be in qualifying at this stage of his career, but here we are.
I think the variance in Shapovalov's game cuts both ways and this could easily go to three sets, but his ceiling on this surface is higher and that probably makes the difference.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 3
Alexander Shevchenko vs Hubert Hurkacz
Head-to-head: Shevchenko 0-4 Hurkacz
Hurkacz is 4-0 against Shevchenko and there's no real reason to think this one breaks the pattern. Hubi's serve is a massive weapon on hard courts and Shevchenko hasn't found an answer for it in any of their previous meetings, including across a range of surfaces and conditions. Hard to see this being competitive at all, and Hurkacz, whatever his recent form, is clearly the better player on this surface.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
Shintaro Mochizuki vs Pavel Kotov
Head-to-head: First meeting
Kotov is ranked well below Mochizuki right now, but rankings can be misleading at this level and Kotov has shown he can compete on hard courts. Mochizuki is a decent hard-court player and the home support in China could be a small factor. That said, there's not much to separate these two on paper. Kotov takes it in three, all things considered.
Prediction: Kotov in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Wally Nell/ZUMA Press Wire