We’re approaching the end of the second round of Wimbledon 2017. Our panelists are here to predict five of the best matches on Thursday of this year’s tournament. Today’s panelists are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), along with contributors John Lupo and Jakub Bobro.
Panelists Predictions Wimbledon Women’s Day 4
Sorana Cirstea vs Bethanie Mattek-Sands
John:
Classic case of power vs finesse. If it’s a baseline match, the Romanian wins. If the American can employ her funky game, she’ll take it. I think Mattek-Sands will do just enough to frustrate Cirstea and reach Round 3.
Prediction: Mattek-Sands in 3
Jakub:
Cirstea is definitely the favorite for me. Her win over Bertens was very convincing and showed that she can be clutch in the important moments at the end of sets. Mattek-Sands won her wild match over Linette, not very convincing. I think that despite the surface suiting BMS more, Cirstea will win. She leads the head-to-head 3-0, just like she did over Bertens.
Prediction: Cirsta in 2
Yesh:
Mattek-Sands does so well on grass, and Cirstea has never really showed the consistency that should go along with her talent. I think this match will go down to the wire, and I’ll go with the American in the clutch.
Prediction: Mattek-Sands in 3
Agnieszka Radwanska vs Christina McHale
John:
Not much to read into Radwanska’s opening win over the fading Jelena Jankovic. Despite a tougher than expected win over British wild card Katie Boulter, McHale has a chance here. Problem is that the two play similar styles and despite a decline, Radwanska still does it better.
Prediction: Radwanska in 2
Jakub:
Radwanska is the overwhelming favorite. She dealt with possibly tricky Jelena Jankovic in straight sets, grass is her best surface, and Radwanska is 10-0 in sets against McHale. The American was pushed to 3 sets by wild card Katie Boulter, so she didn’t amaze by her first round performance either.
Prediction: Radwanska in 2
Yesh:
Even though McHale likes the grass, she’s never won a set against Radwanska. That stat might change after this match, but she’ll still move to 0-6 in matches against the Pole, even if she can win a set.
Prediction: Radwanska in 2
Svetlana Kuznetsova vs Ekaterina Makarova
John:
Could be an upset here as Makarova’s tricky game may present problems for Kuznetsova. Throw in the element of two countrywomen playing and I’ll spring the surprise.
Prediction: Makarova in 3
Jakub:
Makarova is absolutely unpredictable, capable of beating basically anyone on grass. She flew through her first round against Van Uytvanck 6-3 6-1. Kuznetsova also had a solid start, beating Ons Jabeur 6-3 6-2. As is a theme with these predictions, the head-to-head is lopsided. Kuznetsova is up 6-1, but Makarova won the only grass court match. Kuznetsova has a lot of experience against her fellow Russian, and though she would have had an easier job on clay, I think she will fend off Makarova to the tune of 10-8 in the deciding set.
Prediction: Kuznetsova in 3
Yesh:
Kuznetsova has had a bit of a resurgence in the past few years, but I think that Makarova at Wimbledon should be able to pull off the upset, lopsided career H2H notwithstanding. This should be a tight and entertaining match no matter what.
Prediction: Makarova in 3
Kristina Mladenovic vs Alison Riske
John:
Grass is not Mladenovic’s favorite surface, but it certainly is for the American. If she can stay close from the baseline, she can definitely win this. I’ll give the Frenchwoman the tiniest of edges.
Prediction: Mladenovic in 3
Jakub:
I find this match very tough to call. For all of Riske’s prowess on grass, Mladenovic is just playing incredible tennis in 2017. The Frenchwoman flew through her first match 6-1 6-3 against Parmentier and leads the head-to-head 4-0. As much as I’ll be rooting for Riske, I have to pick Mladenovic.
Prediction: Mladenovic in 3
Yesh:
Riske has never beaten Mladenovic, but I really like how the American has looked recently, especially on grass. Then again, Mladenovic’s career has skyrocketed since her doubles split with Caroline Garcia, so I have to go with her in this.
Prediction: Mladenovic in 2
Tsvetana Pironkova vs Caroline Wozniacki
John:
This is home for the Bulgarian, a quarterfinalist and semifinalist at Wimbledon and with two wins over Venus Williams, she is a magnificent player on grass. While Pironkova can be highly inconsistent, the type of player Wozniacki usually handles, Pironkova will cause the upset.
Prediction: Pironkova in 2
Jakub:
Pironkova is a well-known quantity on grass and Wozniacki has been stepping it up on grass so far. It’s a style contrast which is always pleasing to the eye with the backdrop of a grass court. Wozniacki is leading the head-to-head 4-0, and I think she will remain undefeated by Pironkova.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 2
Yesh:
This match will be bittersweet for me as two of my favorite grass-court players square off. Wozniacki is in the midst of a resurgence over the last 10 months or so, and I think she has what it takes to (barely) get by Pironkova here.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 3
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