The headlines on day four at Wimbledon in the men’s draw will likely be stolen by Roger Federer, who takes on British wildcard Jay Clarke, and Rafael Nadal’s grudge match with Nick Kyrgios. But there is no shortage of entertaining action happening elsewhere, and we here at LWOT are offering our predictions for 16 of the best matches, including Federer, Nadal and John Isner’s matchup with Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan. Offering their predictions for this slate of four are Jim Smith, Yesh Ginsburg and Steen Kirby.
Wimbledon Day Four Predictions
Kei Nishikori vs Cameron Norrie
Jim: Early in his career, Nishikori seemed to struggle to adapt to the demands of grass-court tennis, but the Japanese has improved markedly in recent years. His run to the quarterfinals at Wimbledon last year was impressive and he looks to have a good chance of another deep run at the All England Club. Expect his accurate, penetrative hitting to prove too much for Norrie to handle.
Prediction: Nishikori in 4
Yesh: Kei Nishikori didn’t mess around in his first match here. Unfortunately for him, he’ll now face a Brit in front of a British crowd on a surface that favours the Brit. Nishikori may need to call on his five-set record once more.
Prediction: Nishikori in 5
Steen: Nishikori is playing well enough to suggest he’ll defeat the British favourite Norrie. Despite having home support, Norrie doesn’t have the weaponry to bother Kei.
Prediction: Nishikori in 3
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Sam Querrey vs Andrey Rublev
Jim: After a long period in the wilderness, Querrey finally looks to be getting back to the player that was a real force in the men’s game between 2016 and 2017. His big serve and ability to hit through opponents off both wings makes him a formidable grass-court threat and he should prove far too strong for Rublev.
Prediction: Querrey in 3
Yesh: Querrey was utterly dominant against Dominic Thiem once the American found his rhythm. Rublev presents a different type of test, but Querrey is more naturally comfortable on the grass and is playing with confidence.
Prediction: Querrey in 3
Steen: Rublev had a solid opening win and he could catch Querrey in a spot of fatigue after the in-form American needed 5 sets to upset Dominic Thiem. Querrey is good enough on grass to win anyway though.
Prediction: Querrey in 4
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Matteo Berrettini vs Marcos Baghdatis
Jim: Berrettini made slightly hard work of his first-round clash with Aljaz Bedene, but managed to come through unscathed. He will now face the difficult task of dealing with a Baghdatis with nothing to lose. The popular Cypriot still has the game to do some damage, but ultimately it is hard to see him being able to cope with the Italian’s considerable power.
Prediction: Berrettini in 4
Yesh: Berrettini has had a very strong grass season, backed by his powerful serve. It pains me to say this, but this is where the career of Marcos Baghdatis ends.
Prediction: Berrettini in 4
Steen: Does Baghdatis have one more match win left in him? Berrettini is playing well on the grass and is a much better player than the retiring Cypriot on paper, however I expect Baghdatis not to bow out so easily.
Prediction: Berrettini in 5
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Ricardas Berankis vs Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Jim: Berankis scored a fine win over Denis Shapovalov in the first round, but, with the greatest of due respect, it probably said more about where the young Canadian’s game is at than Berankis. Tsonga seems to be coming towards the end of his career, but how he would love one more swashbuckling run at Wimbledon. It may not happen, but Berankis won’t be the one to make sure of that.
Prediction: Tsonga in 3
Yesh: Tsonga was utterly dominant in his opening win over Bernard Tomic. Berankis did well to upset the struggling Shapovalov, but he won’t have anything to keep up with the Frenchman, who finally seems healthy.
Prediction: Tsonga in 3
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