By Tony FairbairnJack Pinnington Jones [WC] v Denis Shapovalov | H2H: First MeetingHarry Wendelken [Q] v Botic Van De Zandschulp | H2H: First MeetingLONDON, ENGLAND – Jack Pinnington Jones will face a stern opening round test when he takes on Denis Shapovalov on day one of Queen’s Club.

 

 

Jack Pinnington Jones [WC] v Denis Shapovalov H2H & Match FundamentalsJack Pinnington Jones [WC] v Denis Shapovalov  H2H: First Meeting  ATP Queen’s Club 2026London, EnglandGrass (O)Prize Money: €20,145Third on Andy Murray Arena (14:30 BST)BBC Two, BBC Iplayer and BBC Sport Online

It’s been an incredible last year for Jack Pinnington Jones who has continued to build on his first main draw win at Wimbledon last year. The Brit has appeared at main tour events and won matches as he continues to develop his game. A powerful game as well as an accurate serve took him to the Dallas quarter-finals earlier this year and is capable of producing big results. That consistency and a great run in Nottingham last year has meant that Pinnington Jones has earned a main draw wildcard at Queen’s Club and will look to build momentum towards Wimbledon.

Standing in his way in the opening round is Denis Shapovalov who is a former Wimbledon semi-finalist. However, that was five years ago now and the Canadian has been up and down the rankings since then. A recent resurgence has ensured that Shapovalov has recovered from his dip outside the world’s top 100 and has returned to playing on the regular tour consistently. Grass should be Shapovalov’s best surface on paper but will now have to prove himself as he needs to show that his confidence is where it needs to be.

Pinnington Jones will aim to serve aggressively and will use the backhand to dominate baseline exchanges. Meanwhile, Shapovalov will need to serve a high first serve percentage and aim to shorten the rallies. This will be a tough assignment for Pinnington Jones but if he can extend the rallies on return then he is more than capable of producing an upset here.

Prediction: Pinnington Jones in three sets.

 

 

Harry Wendelken [Q] v Botic Van De Zandschulp  | H2H & Match FundamentalsHarry Wendelken [Q] v Botic Van De ZandschulpH2H: First Meeting   ATP Queen’s Club 2026London, EnglandGrass (O)Prize Money: €20,145First on Andy Murray Arena (11:30 BST)BBC Two, BBC Iplayer and BBC Sport Online

The only Brit to come through qualifying at Queen’s Club was world number 224 Harry Wendelken. The 24 year-old came through two qualifying matches against Adam Walton and Aleksandar Vukic to qualify for the main draw for Queen’s Club. It’s been a good season for Wendelken at Challenger level on hard courts, winning a lot of matches. The development is clear and Wendelken is now aiming to take advantage of a big opportunity in London.

The first task for Wendelken in the main draw is Botic Van De Zandschulp. It’s now three losses on the bounce for the Dutchman who lost his first round on home soil in ‘s-Hertogenbosch to Tallon Griekspoor. After a promising clay court season, Van De Zandschulp has failed to capitalize on his form and will now hope to bounce back. A big serve and competent net skills makes Van De Zandschulp a threat on grass but does he have the confidence to be bold on grass.

Wendelken will aim to serve aggressively and will close down points at the net to put pressure on the Dutchman’s baseline game. Meanwhile, Van De Zandschulp will use the backhand to pin Wendelken behind the baseline. This is a golden opportunity for Wendelken to win his first ever main draw match on ATP tour level.

Prediction: Wendelken in three sets.   

 

 

How to Watch/Follow ATP Queen’s Club 2026