Four left-handers are on the opening-day schedule at Queen’s Club, including Gilles Muller, Denis Shapovalov, and Cameron Norrie. Muller and Shapovalov are going head-to-head, while Norrie is going up against Stan Wawrinka.
Denis Shapovalov vs. Gilles Muller
Muller and Shapovalov will be squaring off for the first time in their careers when they clash in round one of the Fever-Tree Championships on Monday afternoon. This season has been a borderline disaster for Muller, but he is hoping grass is just what the doctor ordered. That was not the case last week in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, where the 46th-ranked Luxembourgian dropped his opener in straight sets to Matthew Ebden and saw his 2018 record fall to a horrendous 7-13. However, Muller has reached at least the quarterfinals at Queen’s Club on three consecutive occasions (semifinals last year) and he also upset Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon for the second time en route to the quarters last summer.
Shapovalov played four matches last year at Queen’s Club (two in the main draw); he has played a grand total of two other ATP-level, main-draw matches on this surface in his entire career. In 2017, the 23rd-ranked Canadian successfully qualified and then beat Kyle Edmund before succumbing to Tomas Berdych. He is coming a rough opening loss in Stuttgart at the hands of little-know Prajnesh Gunneswaran, so it is safe to say that Shapovalov’s grass-court game remains a question mark. The 19-year-old should take some notes from his opponent on Monday as he likely makes his way out of Queen’s Club–unless Muller turns in a dreadful serving performance.
Pick: Muller in 3
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Stan Wawrinka vs. (WC) Cameron Norrie
Wawrinka is among the horde of players who are making comebacks in 2018. Unlike Andy Murray (prior to this week, it should be noted), the 33-year-old Swiss has at least managed to take the court. But unlike Novak Djokovic, Kei Nishikori, and Milos Raonic, Wawrinka has been unable to garner any kind of momentum. The three-time major champion is 4-7 for the season and has plummeted to No. 261 in the world on the heels of an immediate Roland Garros setback at the hands of Guillermo Garcia-Lopez.
Up first for Wawrinka on Monday is Norrie, whom the veteran has never faced. Norrie has been on the pro circuit for just one year and his quick rise to the top 100–and to the top 80, in fact–was impressive. The 22-year-old has earned six ATP-level match wins this season, including a semifinal run on the red clay of Lyon. On the heels of surprising clay-court results, Norrie kicked off his grass-court swing with an unceremonious first-round loss at the Nottingham Challenger to Tatsuma Ito. Fortunately for the up-and-coming Brit, he is playing at home and going up against an opponent who is playing with zero confidence.
Pick: Norrie in 3
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Muller and Norrie in three
I’m not sure that I think Stan is that far from being back to near his best, but grass is his worst surface, so picking Norrie isn’t far-fetched at all. However, if Wawa goes far here and can somehow win his first few matches at wimby, I’m picking him to win the whole thing for the career slam!
That’s two ifs ,Joe .But, I wouldn’t rule it out , Stan has a habit of winning Slams out of the blue.
Exactly what I had in mind, Al. It seems impossible, but if anyone could do it, it’s probably Stanimal.
That would be brilliant: Stan winning Wimbledon from out of nowhere to hold all 4 GS. But it does sound like fantasy.
Picked Norrie and Shapo….
Joe I would absolutely love for that to happen. I am seriously missing Stan at his best right now. I think he has some tricks up his sleeve still but I’m not so sure we will get to see that during the grass court swing. I think he will start to find his form again as the US swing approaches and I wouldn’t be surprised if by then, he is healthy enough to return to a high level (hopefully his best).
Oh, who cares? What about Andy v Curious?!? Pretty harsh welcome back for Sir Andy!
Easy, Ramara. Some of us care about Wawa, even if Rafa fans tend to dislike him intensely.
Anyway, Andy and Nick aren’t on until the following day. I’m sure Ricky will give that match its due. I’d love to see Murray come back strong, but you’re right that he has been given an awfully tough first match.
Hawks is the only Rafa fan I know of who dislikes Wawa and it’s got nothing to do with his tennis or Rafa. Stan’s ok by me and I wish him well – as long as he’s not playing Rafa! – but I do not think he’ll go far at Queens or Wimbledon.
I agree about wishing Stan well as long as he’s not playing Rafa! I also agree that he will not go far at Wimbledon. I see him as having a much better shot at the USO,
It is time for the return of Andy Murray. I can’t think of a worse opponent than Kyrgios. But I just look forward to seeing him play again. He has to start somewhere and I think it is going to be challenging for him.
Ramara,
Andy Murray is dearly missed. But I’m not expecting much — and will hope he surprises. Did you read his comments on coming back on the ATP site?
I haven’t but I’ll go do that now. Thanks!
Kyrgios in two
I’ve got Norrie and Shapo in three but I am heavily rooting for both Stan and Gilles. I need me some vintage grass court Muller again. And for Stan to just win a damn match.