After a year off, it’s a busy day 1 at Wimbledon 2021 in London as tennis returns to perhaps its greatest venue. We have predictions for all of the day 1 matches, this set of matches features the big server Reilly Opelka and fan favorite Fabio Fognini.
Fabio Fognini vs Albert Ramos Vinolas
Damian Kust: They’ve played so many times over the years and Fognini owns a massive lead in the head-to-head. However, it’s tied on grass with one win for each. Fognini definitely has the edge in form, having played Cilic close at Queen’s Club. Ramos-Vinolas hasn’t won a match since Madrid. Fognini in 4
Pablo Mosquera Hasselbaink: Fognini owns a commanding 9-2 head to head lead, albeit Ramos has taken the last two contests. The Italian is far from his best but has better tools to succeed on grass. Expect him to advance… barely. Fognini in 5
Cristian Garin vs Bernabe Zapata Miralles
Damian: Two clay-court specialists but I think the edge on faster surfaces goes to Zapata Miralles. He’s got a bigger game with a powerful serve and had a lot of time to find his grass footing in the qualies. Zapata Miralles in 4
Pablo: Commendable effort from Zapata. Not many thought he’d survive the qualifying carnage at Roehampton. Currently, Garin is vastly considered a clay specialist. Yet, he Wimbledon used to be his best slam as a pro, qualifying in 2017 and 2018. In a battle between baseliners, trust the more skilled one. Garin in 4
Marco Cecchinato vs Liam Broady
Damian: Brilliant chance for the British wildcard. Cecchinato is still yet to win a match at a Grand Slam other than Roland Garros and Broady is enjoying the most consistent season of his career. His grass-court record isn’t great, but at least he’s played on it a lot more than his opponent. Broady in 5
Pablo: Even though he doesn’t seem very comfortable on grass, Broady should unquestionably take advantage of his wild card and win this match. Cecchinato didn’t even bother playing any warm-up event. The Italian hasn’t won a match on grass since 2018. Broady in 4
Reilly Opelka vs Dominik Koepfer
Damian: Koepfer won the last two against Opelka but grass should probably favor the big-serving American. It’s not going to be easy though, as the German has an excellent record on this surface, including winning the Ilkley Challenger in 2019. Opelka in 4
Pablo: Be careful if you think Opelka’s serve will easily dismantle Koepfer. The German has won the last five sets between the two and he’s a good returner. Both players are winless on grass this season and someone must snap that streak. It will be Koepfer. Koepfer in 5
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