Matteo Berrettini continues his grass-court campaign at Queen’s Club against American Denis Kudla during second-round action on Thursday. Stan Wawrinka will also be taking the court as he faces American Tommy Paul.
(2) Matteo Berrettini vs. (LL) Denis Kudla
Matteo Berrettini is back from hand surgery and taking the abbreviated grass season by storm (so far, anyway). The Italian picked his way through the draw in Stuttgart for his first title of the season last week and continued his excellent form with a straight-set win over Dan Evans in the first round at Queen’s Club on Tuesday.
Denis Kudla, awaiting Berrettini in the second round, has traditionally been at his best on grass–although he has had a rough time of it this season so far. He lost in the final of the Surbiton Challenger to Jordan Thompson and crashed out in the first round in Stuttgart. He did not successfully qualify for Queen’s Club but slipped into the tournament as a lucky loser thanks to Andy Murray’s withdrawal.
Berrettini and Kudla have a somewhat surprising 2-2 head-to-head, although they haven’t met since 2019. As the world No. 10 and current Stuttgart champion, Berrettini will be the heavy favorite in Thursday’s match. Still, Kudla is always an outside risk on a grass court and he could well keep the match close for at least a set.
Cheryl pick: Berrettini in 2
Ricky pick: Berrettini in 2
Tommy Paul vs. (PR) Stan Wawrinka
This represents and excellent opportunity for American Tommy Paul to reach the quarterfinals. The world No. 35 picked up an impressive upset win over Denis Shapovalov in the first round. On Thursday he faces the world No. 290 Stan Wawrinka, who is just making his way back from a pair of foot surgeries.
Wawrinka posted a grinding first-round upset win over Frances Tiafoe on Tuesday. The match went to tiebreakers in each of the three sets; Tiafoe served for the match at 5-4 in the third, but Wawrinka snagged his first break to level the set at 5-5 and earned his chance to advance.
While Wawrinka was able to work his way into that contest, the exertion may work against him as he continues to try to round into form. Paul, who played well in his own right in the first round, should find his way through.
Cheryl pick: Paul in 3
Ricky pick: Paul in 2
good effort, Denis
At least he’s trying
Better by Paul on grass.