A few picks from the first round of the HSBC Championships in London, where the grass is already producing some interesting first-round draws. Which of these do you think goes the distance?
HSBC Championships Predictions
Brandon Nakashima vs Ignacio Buse
Head-to-head: First meeting
First meeting between two players who are pretty evenly ranked on paper, but Nakashima has always been a solid grass-court performer and his flat, low ball off both wings suits the surface well. Buse is still finding his feet at this level and hasn't shown much on grass yet.
I think Nakashima gets through this one, though not without being pushed a bit.
Prediction: Nakashima in 3
Tommy Paul vs Botic Van De Zandschulp
Head-to-head: Paul 0-2 Zandschulp
That H2H is a bit of a surprise for a player ranked as high as Paul, and it's not a small sample size either. Van De Zandschulp's heavy ball and awkward lefty serve can disrupt rhythm on any surface and he's clearly had Paul's number so far. That said, grass probably suits Paul better than either surface they've met on before, and he's been a consistent performer on tour this season.
Paul in 3, but this one could easily flip.
Prediction: Paul in 3
Arthur Rinderknech vs Hamad Medjedovic
Head-to-head: Rinderknech 1-1 Medjedovic
Medjedovic has been genuinely impressive over the last year and the 1-1 H2H doesn't fully capture how much he's improved since. Rinderknech has the big serve that should theoretically do damage on grass, but he's been inconsistent and Medjedovic is the kind of player who makes you work for every point, staying patient and waiting for you to crack.
I feel like this is Medjedovic's match to take, all things considered, and the ranking gap doesn't tell the whole story here.
Prediction: Medjedovic in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Javier Borrego/AFP7 via ZUMA Press Wire