Denis Shapovalov’s attacking game will go up against experienced tour veteran Philipp Kohlschreiber. We have all of your predictions for day 1 of the Wimbledon tournament as the summer of tennis heats up.
Denis Shapovalov vs Philipp Kohlschreiber
Anurag Sahay: The German is fresh off a satisfying season. He is overwhelmingly effective against left-handed opponents, something that should weigh in on this match’s prospects. The 10th seed has a predominantly baseline game, and is not very comfortable on grass. Expect their maiden meeting to be a close contest. Kohlschreiber in 4
Pablo Mosquera Hasselbaink: Shapovalov has been playing at a solid level on grass after being forced to withdraw from Roland Garros. Precisely at the French Open, Kohlschreiber rose from the ashes and defeated Fernando Verdasco and Asian Karatsev when hardly anyone counted on him to do so. On top of that performance, the German reached the quarters in Halle. ‘El Shapo’ must deliver if he wants a straightforward victory. Shapovalov in 3
Denis Kudla vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Anurag: Fokina is one of the more unpredictable men. He has surprised himself in what has been an unexpected run at the French Open, but grass doesn’t help his game. The American should get this. Kudla in 4
Pablo: Definition of a trap match. Once an unpredictable youngster, Davidovich Fokina has stepped up his level post-pandemic. However, he retired from his match versus Vasek Pospisil at Eastbourne due to injury. Meanwhile, Kudla has amassed a respectable 9 wins on grass this year, plus he knows what it is to win matches at Wimbledon before. He knocked out Alexander Zverev a few years back. If healthy, I’m banking on ADF, but knowing him, it’ll be a rollercoaster of a match. Davidovich Fokina in 5
Egor Gerasimov vs Jay Clarke
Anurag: Tune into this for some insipid tennis between two unseeded players. Clarke hasn’t played enough competitive tennis lately. To add to that, Gerasimov is generally a better player. Despite his struggle with form, he has a better chance. Gerasimov in 5
Pablo: 2021 hasn’t been a bright season for either player. Since Monte Carlo, Gerasimov is 2-0 over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and 0-9 against everyone else. Not good. Clarke has never really proved himself at tour-level events despite the wild cards on British soil. It’s a good chance for the wild card, but can he do it? I don’t think so. Gerasimov in 4
Facundo Bagnis vs Miomir Kecmanovic
Anurag: Kecmanovic is devastating on grass. I have no reason to disbelieve that the Argentine is in the danger of being swept off the court. Their last encounter’s outcome doesn’t help Bagnis cause either. Kecmanovic in 3
Pablo: Bagnis schedules his season the way the good old clay-courters did. Winless on grass, he sees no use in prepping for Wimbledon. Kecmanovic is far from a juggernaut on the surface, but let’s be realistic, the Serbian isn’t losing to Bagnis, unless they agree to play a video game instead of a real match.. Kecmanovic in 3
Main Photo:
