Day 5 at the ATP event in Newport will see the conclusion of the quarterfinals, with two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray playing the always unpredictable Alexander Bublik, and an all-Australian duel between Jason Kubler and James Duckworth to see who joins the mammoth-serving John Isner and Maxime Cressy for Saturday’s semifinals.
ATP Newport Day 5 Predictions
Jason Kubler vs James Duckworth
Head-to-head: Duckworth 3-0 Kubler
Despite the 3-0 head-to-head in Duckworth’s favor, Kubler comes into this match as a favorite given the surface. He has shown some excellent level on grass so far and might even have a shot of winning his first ever ATP title this week, as well as a career high ranking (he peaked at #91 in 2018), which would already have happened if points had been awarded at Wimbledon. Duckworth is a solid player, but at this point in their careers and considering the surface Kubler should have too much for him, especially fresh off scoring his first ever top 10 win against tournament favourite Felix Auger-Aliassime in a dramatic three set match that was completed over two days.
Prediction: Kubler in 2
Andy Murray vs Alexander Bublik
Head-to-head: Murray 3-1 Bublik
The pair have played three times this year already: they split wins on hard courts before Murray won on the Stuttgart grass. Although Murray is very far from his best, he’s still far more solid and consistent than Bublik, who has highs and lows within the same set and even the same game. Even now Murray should be able to get the win, especially on this surface, just based on his consistency and ability to stay the course during the entire match. Bublik is, however, not to be underestimated on this surface and court, where he has already reached a final back in 2019 (losing the four-time champion John Isner).
Prediction: Murray in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
