The second round begins at Wimbledon 2018 as American men Jared Donaldson, Ryan Harrison, and Sam Querrey look to advance while seeds Kevin Anderson and Lucas Pouille could be tested. Our panelists offer their predictions.
Adrian Mannarino vs Ryan Harrison
Yesh Ginsburg: Harrison looked dominant in his opening match. He might finally, years after everyone expected it, be putting his potential together for a big run at a Major. Mannarino is solid, but Harrison is better. Harrison in 3
Steen Kirby: Fatigue will weigh on Mannarino. Harrison has a bigger game and he should take advantage of this opportunity to ease into the third round. Harrison in 3
Manuel Traquete: Mannarino comes into the tournament fresh off a disappointing final loss in Antalya and is likely to be tired not only physically but mentally as well. Harrison in 4
Brett Margolies: Mannarino’s style of play just works so well on grass. Harrison should keep it close, but too much variety from the Frenchman. Mannarino in 4
Sam Querrey vs Sergiy Stakhovsky
Yesh: It’s always tough to know what will happen with Sam Querrey. He is one of the best in the world, especially on grass, but he sometimes doesn’t play like he can. He certainly played his best in his opening match. If he does that again, there might only be one or two players in the world who can beat him. (And that potential Manic Monday match against Federer would be incredible.) Querrey in 3
Steen: Stakhovsky is at his best on this surface, but Querrey is as well. Given Querrey is the better player I think he survives what should be a somewhat challenging match given Stakhovsky’s serve and volley pressure. Querrey in 4
Manuel: Querrey has been one of the best players at Wimbledon in recent years and is looking to make yet another deep run. Stakhovsky had his own moment of glory at SW19 back in 2013 when he beat Federer, but recent form doesn’t suggest that another run is likely. Querrey in 3
Brett: This is another matchup with two players who are very experienced on grass. Stakhovsky definitely plays his best at Wimbledon and will definitely make Querrey work for it, but last year’s semifinalist should be able to get through. Querrey in 5
Kevin Anderson vs Andreas Seppi
Yesh: Seppi isn’t at his best on grass, and he hasn’t been playing his best tennis in a few years. Anderson has an unstoppable serve, and has been playing very well at the Slams recently. Anderson in 4
Steen: I picked Anderson to have a good tournament from the start and I don’t see Seppi getting in the way. Anderson has too big of a game to fall to the Italian and will likely push him off the court on this fast surface. Anderson in 3
Manuel: The two faced last year at this same tournament and Anderson won in straight sets. The most likely scenario is a repeat of that same result, with Anderson’s serve proving too overpowering for Seppi to handle. Anderson in 3
Brett: Kevin Anderson usually does a good job beating players he should beat early in slams. Seppi doesn’t really possess anything that gives Anderson trouble. A couple sets might be close, but Anderson should get through. Anderson in 3
Lucas Pouille vs Dennis Novak
Yesh: Novak’s first-round match was a bit surprising, but he played really well. If he plays that well again, he could upset Pouille, who isn’t quite at his best form. Novak in 5
Steen: Dennis Novak could make a name for himself if he wins this match (and perhaps make a deeper run into week 2). That said, Pouille got a win against the upset minded Kudla in the opening round and he’s been pretty good on grass, so I’ll take the more accomplished, and more experienced French player. Pouille in 5
Manuel: Pouille has been terrible so far this year in mandatory events, but he has yet another chance here to turn the tide with a very kind draw. Pouille in 3
Brett: Pouille played at a high level in his first round win over Denis Kudla. I thought that had potential to be an early upset, but Pouille played well. Novak has to be confident after coming through qualifying and recording his first main draw slam win. He had a nice run, but Pouille should advance. Pouille in 4
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Jared Donaldson
Yesh: Tsitsipas is rising, a little quietly. Donaldson is good on the grass and may someday be a rival for the Greek, but he’s not quite there yet. Tsitsipas in 4
Steen: Tsitsipas seems to have outpaced Donaldson lately. The young American has plenty of promise but Tsitsipas is already showing he can carry the hopes of a nation in Grand Slams. The young Greek should prevail. Tsitsipas in 4
Manuel: Both players haven’t done very well during this grass season, but now have a chance to change that in the biggest event. Should be a close match, with the Greek emerging as a slight favorite. Tsitsipas in 4
Brett: This a great opportunity for each of these next-gen stars. Tsitsipas’ consistency might give Donaldson some problems, I expect the American to keep it close, but Tsitsipas should win. Tsitsipas in 4
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