Wimbledon Day 1 will begin with the top half of the men’s draw, as we have a set of intriguing matches to preview and predict. LWOS senior editor Steen Kirby, and Elliot Cornish are on hand to go through all the action.
2016 Wimbledon Men’s Day 1 Panelist Predictions Including Sock vs. Gulbis
Kyle Edmund vs. Adrian Mannarino
Steen: Kyle Edmund’s quarterfinal in Queen’s gave the British public some hope that he can make a dent at Wimbledon. Adrian Mannarino is one of the more difficult opponents you can face on a fast surface though, and his experience sets him up well to get past Edmund. Mannarino has nothing to lose, while Edmund has all the pressure on him. This match sets up as a classic five set battle. Mannarino in five sets
Elliot: The UK’s Edmund has a superb opportunity to pick up his first Wimbledon singles win here on his fourth attempt. He’s continuing to make strides and besides being an awkward lefty, Mannarino has few weapons to challenge him. Expect Edmund to dictate play and prevail. Edmund in four sets
Borna Coric vs. Ivo Karlovic
Steen: Coric has a very bright future, but Karlovic’s lethal serve is at its best on grass, and the veteran has found a bit of form in recent weeks, as a faster surface has certainly boosted his confidence. Both these players are Croatian and should know each other well. Karlovic has more experience on grass, and in best of five. Coric has the talent, but I don’t think he’ll be able to put it all together this tournament, expect Karlovic with tiebreak wins. Karlovic in four sets
Elliot: This is a very winnable match for Coric, but one that is sure to test his patience and mental strength. Breaking Karlovic on grass is an even tougher assignment than on other surfaces, so staying rock solid on serve and alert in the inevitable tiebreaks will be essential. The wily Karlovic has enough firepower to get past his young opponent. Karlovic in four sets
Lukas Rosol vs. Sam Querrey
Steen: The big hitting Rosol can mow down opponents on grass, but he’s been in terrible form as of late and lost both of his warmup matches on he surface this year. Querrey reached the semifinals in Den Bosch, and he’s an above average grass court player. He could choke and lose this match, but I have to favor his form in this match. Querrey in four sets
Elliot: Querrey is playing better in 2016 than he has for some time, while Rosol continues to be up and down. However, if the Czech turns up and plays how he can on the grass, he could take control. Querrey’s big serve is an asset, but it is prone to lapses – too many of them, and Rosol will beat him. Rosol in five sets
Sam Groth vs. Kei Nishikori
Steen: Nishikori beat Groth’s big serving game last year on hard court, and the Australian’s big serve hasn’t been as sharp this year. Groth hasn’t found much form on graass, and presuming Nishikori is healthy, he should be able to return serve well enough to advance, as Groth can’t pressure him on his own serve. Nishikori in three sets
Elliot: Sam Groth’s one-dimensional game is more potent on grass than anywhere else, and he has the game to cause Nishikori some problems. However, the Japanese number one is an effective returner, and will get enough returns in play to expose the Australian in the rallies. Nishikori in three sets
Jack Sock vs. Ernests Gulbis
Steen: Jack Sock didn’t play any tournaments to warm up for Wimbledon, and thus his form is in question. Gulbis is an erratic power hitter in his own right and he qualified in Halle before losing his opening match. Both players are talented, and on this fast surface Sock’s forehand should win the day. Sock in four sets
Elliot: Gulbis has been in wretched form for a while now but enjoyed brief respite in his run to the fourth round at the French Open. His inconsistency though continues to plague him, in contrast to Sock who has worked his way into the top 30. This should be exciting, but the American will run out a comfortable winner. Sock in four sets
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