The rain has messed with the schedule so we have a mix of second- and third-round matches going on on Friday. It turns out that yesterday we predicted some matches that will be played on Friday (including Serena Williams vs Christina McHale and Tara Moore vs Svetlana Kuznetsova), but things like that happen when the schedule is unpredictable. Our panelists today are LWOS editors Steen Kirby and Niall Clarke, along with contributor John Lupo.
Panelists’ Predictions 2016 Wimbledon Women’s Day 5
Petra Kvitova vs Ekaterina Makarova
Niall:
This should be a good match between two lefties. Kvitova has the head to head advantage and is the better grass court player, but the Russian knows how to get the better of the Czech on this surface. Kvitova will likely win but we could see another “three-setova” performance.
Prediction: Kvitova in 3
Steen:
These players have a close h2h, however Kvitova is likely in stronger form, and I favor her power to prevail.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
John:
Kvitová is having a terrible season, but this is the one place where she always performs well no matter how she’s playing. Makarova reached the Eastbourne quarterfinals and is no slouch on any surface and despite her recent good form and Kvitová’s shoddy play, this is Wimbledon and if Kvitová loses, it won’t be here.
Prediction: Kvitová in 2
Simona Halep vs Kiki Bertens
Niall:
Halep looked good in her opening round match and should really win this one, but Bertens proved to be a tricky player during Roland Garros. Halep should win in two tight sets, but this could go three with a possible upset.
Prediction: Halep in 3
Steen:
Both players are in good form and posted a pair of routine wins thus far, Halep is the better of the pair though, and that’s why I’m picking her to prevail.
Prediction: Halep in 2
John:
The 2014 French Open finalist has quietly moved through the first two rounds without fuss or bother. Bertens seems to be fully healed from her injury that plagued her in the grass court warmup season. Although I think her run to the French Open semifinals was no fluke, Halep knows what an opoortunity she has awaiting her with Garbine Muguruza’s loss and I think she marches on.
Prediction: Halep in 2
Venus Williams vs Daria Kasatkina
Niall:
Experience meets youth here as five-time champion Venus faces the ever-rising Kasatkina. The Russian has a lot of talent and will be one to look out for, but Venus is in her element at Wimbledon and will use her experience to see this match out.
Prediction: Venus in 3
Steen:
The 19-year-old Russian upset Venus at the start of the season, and has looked sharp through two matches. However, the experienced Williams is still solid on grass and I have to pick her in a Grand Slam situation.
Preditcion: Venus in 3
John:
They met earlier in the year in Auckland with the Russian teenager prevailing. Williams has not played well in her first two matches, but that was against lesser competition. She won’t get away with that against Kasatkina. The draw has opened up nicely for the elder stateswoman of the tour, but I see Kasatkina repeating the Auckland result.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 3
Lucie Safarova vs Jana Cepelova
Niall:
Cepelova is coming off the back of a big win against Muguruza, but Safarova is a better grass courter than the Spaniard and will not fall victim to another upset here.
Prediction: Safarova in 2
Steen:
The qualifier Cepelova upset Garbine Muguruza in the last round, and that victory should inspire her to want more. Safarova is a tough opponent, but she’s far from elite. I’m going with the upset.
Prediction: Cepelova in 3
John:
Pulling off massive upsets is nothing new for Cepelova as she has wins over Serena Williams in Charleston and Simona Halep here last year. Safarova was lucky to escape her doubles partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands and is not high on confidence at the moment. Which Cepelova shows up: the one that hs wins over players ranked #1, #2, and #3 or the one that lost to Monica Niculescu last year after beating Halep? I think the one that showed up against Muguruza.
Prediction: Cepelova in 3
Madison Keys vs Alize Cornet
Niall:
Keys is everyone’s pick for dark horse this tournament and so far she has proven to have the game and mentality to back those claims. Cornet is a good competitor but Keys will have too much power for the Frenchwoman.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Steen:
Keys is simply better on grass, the American will win this even if she doesn’t play her best tennis.
Prediction: Keys in 2
John:
Keys is on a roll, having won Birmingham and surviving a tough 3-setter with former semifinalist Kirsten Flipkens. Cornet upset Sara Errani last round, but on grass, that really isn’t an upset. Although she beat Serena here a couple of years ago, Keys has too much form, game and confidence to lose this match.
Prediction: Keys in 2
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