Defending champion Novak Djokovic faces young gun Ugo Humbert at Wimbledon 2019, while Milos Raonic faces the in-form Guido Pella. Our panel of Jim Smith and Steen Kirby offer their predictions including Novak Djokovic vs Ugo Humbert. We also have predictions for matches featuring Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Kei Nishikori.
Novak Djokovic vs Ugo Humbert
Jim: Djokovic was given a real test, if not perhaps a scare, by Hubert Hurkacz in the third round, which surely will have sharpened his focus. Humbert, meanwhile, is in the midst of a dream run and played some superb tennis to upset fellow young gun and 18th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime. But this is uncharted territory for the Frenchman and he has never faced a player of Djokovic’s quality. Don’t expect the defending champion to encounter too many problems. Djokovic in 3
Steen: Djokovic drew a rising player for the 2nd match in a row, Humbert is sure to leave it all on court, but I’m reasonably confident that won’t be enough at this early stage in his career to dethrone the world #1 and defending champion. Djokovic would need to play incredibly poorly to lose this match. Djokovic in 3
Roberto Bautista Agut vs Benoit Paire
Jim: Paire may not always have the same razor-sharp focus as some of his colleagues on the tour, but make no mistake, he can really play. But so too can Bautista Agut, who dismissed 10th seed Karen Khachanov in the third round. Paire will unquestionably have his moments in this match, but expect the more consistent Spaniard to emerge the victor. Bautista Agut in 4
Steen: RBA has never lost to Paire, but the Frenchman deserves some credit for his all-court results recently, having reached the second week in Paris and London back to back. This is still grass court though where RBA has a better track record, and along with his whitewash h2h record, he’s a heavy favorite. Bautista Agut in 3
David Goffin vs Fernando Verdasco
Jim: After a long period of poor form, Goffin has been a man renewed in recent weeks. The Halle finalist has carried his fine form from Germany to south-west London, winning one of the matches of the tournament against Medvedev in the third round. Verdasco has played some very good ball in his own right, but up against the accurate and penetrating hitting of Goffin, he looks set to struggle. Goffin in 4
Steen: Verdasco is into the 2nd week but his best years are long past him. Goffin is resurgent and despite a grueling third round win against Medvedev, he should be the favorite here. The extra rest ensures he’ll be fit enough to prevail. Goffin in 5
Milos Raonic vs Guido Pella
Jim: Pella may not be the foremost example of a grass-court specialist, but the Argentine is rapidly carving out a niche for himself on the laws of the All England Club. His win over Kevin Anderson marked the second time in a row that he had beaten the previous year’s runner-up. Up against another former-Wimbledon finalist in Milos Raonic, he will once again need to be at his best. But the Canadian is playing with real confidence and should have more than enough power to hit through Pella. Raonic in 4
Steen: Pella is playing so well, even though barely anyone is paying attention. However, Raonic is a formidable opponent with his serve and hasn’t had much of a bother yet. I’m still not confident in the Canadian’s form though, and Pella just defeated another player with a similar gamestyle, Kevin Anderson the former Wimbledon finalist. I’ll go with the upset here. Pella in 4
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