The Wimbledon semifinals will feature two legends of the game Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in one semi, and two big serving veterans Kevin Anderson and John Isner in the other semi. Our panelists offer up their previews and predictions.
Kevin Anderson vs John Isner
Steen: Anderson has previously reached a slam final, the 2017 US Open, and he’s now backed up that result with a semifinal run here and potentially another finals appearance. Isner has been a good but not great player for many years on tour, and he’s now into his first ever semifinal at both Wimbledon, and in a Grand Slam. Previously known for playing the longest match in tennis history at Wimbledon, Isner would love to be known as a champion at this tournament. Both these players are big servers and breaks will be hard to come by. Isner beat an injured Raonic in 4 sets, while Anderson toppled Roger Federer in a long five setter. As amazing as Anderson’s comeback was, Isner should be fresher. Isner in 4
Yesh: Anderson just did a tremendous job of upsetting Federer, but now he has a very different herculean task ahead of him. No one has broken Isner’s serve yet this tournament. This big American is also doing very well from the baseline and on return. Playing Milos Raonic means that Isner will be very well prepared to face Anderson. Isner in 4
Lukas: A battle between two big servers will take place in the Wimbledon semifinals for a chance to compete in the Final. Kevin Anderson is coming off the greatest match of his life where he defeated Roger Federer in five sets. In that match, he was down two sets to none and had to save a match point in order to secure a spot in the semifinals. For the match, Anderson had 28 aces and won 76% of his first serves. On the other side, Isner won in four sets against Milos Raonic, where he put up 25 aces and won 90% of his first serves. The match will feature dominant serving on both sides so expect to see not many breaks and lots of tiebreakers. It will be close but I like Anderson, who has more experience in Grand Slam semifinals, to advance to his first Wimbledon final. Anderson in 4
Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal
Steen: Djokovic should be the favorite in this match but it should be close given the split history at Wimbledon. Djokovic has dropped a couple of sets this tournament, but he should be fresher than Rafa who was pushed to the brink against Del Potro and prevailed by playing some exceptional tennis. These players are both legends of the game and winning this title would mean a massive amount for both. Djokovic winning would put him back on top after struggling with injury. Nadal for his part could continue the chase of Federer for career Grand Slams and post his best slam result at Wimbledon since 2011 where he finished runner up to Novak. Expect a war with Novak prevailing. Djokovic in 5
Yesh: Djokovic has looked absolutely dominant throughout much of this tournament. He has had blips of beatable form, but he is very close to the level that dominated the tour back in 2011. He will get a depleted Nadal who has looked beatable all tournament and who just endured a grueling match to barely get by Juan Martin del Potro. Nadal won’t be able to replicate that. Djokovic in 4
Lukas: For the 52nd time in their career, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are going toe to toe, this time for an opportunity to compete for a Wimbledon title. These two met back in 2011 in the Finals, where Djokovic won his first Wimbledon Championship in four sets. Djokovic leads the head-to-head 26-25 but Nadal is 9-4 against him at Grand Slam tournaments. Nadal is coming off a near five hour thriller against Juan Martin Del Potro, where he won in five sets, staving off many break point opportunities from the Argentine. Nadal has 67 winners to 34 unforced errors and converted 74% of first serves. Djokovic won in four sets over Kei Nishikori, where he started looking like his former self. His serve was aggressive, he won 28 more points than Nishikori and started showcasing his relentless defense. This match has the makings of a classic. It will be interesting to see if Nadal can recover in time after his thrilling quarterfinal match. It will be close but I think Nadal’s level is similar to when he won his past two Wimbledon Championships. I like the Spaniard to advance. Nadal in 5
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