The world’s top two players, Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev have advanced into the second week of Wimbledon and are now looking for berths in the quarterfinals. Our panelists predict all of the Manic Monday matches at SW 19 including Roger Federer’s match.
Novak Djokovic vs Cristian Garin
Damian Kust: The Chilean did really well to clean up a favorable draw and it’s great to see him succeeding off clay as well. But it takes an absolutely astonishing performance to take out this version of Djokovic and with a somewhat average serve and a certainly not grass-court game, it’s simply not doable. Garin’s strengths play into Djokovic’s hands and he will have a hard time finding consistent ways to win the points. Djokovic in 3
Steen Kirby: Garin has dropped sets in all three of his wins so far, this is an impressive run for the Chilean, especially on grass, but he has yet to face a highly ranked opponent. Garin reached the round of 16 at the French Open and his run at Wimbledon should end at the same stage. Djokovic dropped his first set of tennis at Wimbledon to Jack Draper but has been relatively spotless through three rounds otherwise and as always he is in it to win it. Garin doesn’t have the game to stop him on this surface. Djokovic in 3
Karen Khachanov vs Sebastian Korda
Damian: Ever since making the fourth round at Roland Garros last year, Korda’s been constantly breaking new barriers. Time for another one. The American has been playing absolutely fabulous tennis here and should he continue to do that, the opportunity will be his to take. This is yet another solid Grand Slam run for Khachanov, but he hasn’t been nearly as spectacular as his opponent along the way. Korda in 4
Steen: Korda has upset both Alex de Minaur and Dan Evans to reach this stage, it’s a bit of a surprise to see him make it this far, but he’s certainly not lacking talent. Khachanov’s routine run to the round of 16 here has come as a bit of a surprise, especially with how he dismantled an in-form Frances Tiafoe in the third round. Khachanov is very capable, but Korda is showing signs of having a truly special tournament and another upset looks to be loading here. Korda in 5
Matteo Berrettini vs Ilya Ivashka
Damian: Ivashka is having by far the best season of his career and it’s great that he managed to grab his best-ever Grand Slam run along the way. This is likely where it ends though – while Berrettini hasn’t been quite as convincing as expected, especially in the first round, the Italian recently took the title at Queen’s Club and has a serve and forehand combination that can win him matches by itself. Berrettini in 3
Steen: Ivashka has only dropped one set to Jeremy Chardy en route to his best ever Grand Slam performance though none of his three wins came against seeded opposition. Berrettini is great on the grass and has buzzsawed through relatively pedestrian opposition in his part of the draw as well. This is the first high quality opponent for both players and Berrettini’s resume is simply better, he should have the upper hand. Berrettini in 4
Hubert Hurkacz vs Daniil Medvedev
Damian: Medvedev did very well to survive a very tricky draw in the early rounds, taking tough wins over Struff and Cilic. The issues don’t stop here though as Hurkacz stopped his six-match losing streak and is suddenly looking great, not broken even once since the start of the tournament. The Pole loves the grass and he can keep it close as long as he serves well, but I’d expect that he just won’t have enough from the ground to consistently take points off Medvedev any other way. Medvedev in 4
Steen: Hurkacz has the talent to go far, especially on grass, and he hasn’t dropped a set thus far. Although this sudden run is unexpected from Hurkacz, he’s very much in this match against the world #2. Medvedev has already been made vulnerable as he needed a massive comeback against Marin Cilic in the third round and dropped a set to Jan-Lennard Struff in round 1. Medvedev is the safe pick, but Hurkacz is feeling his game right now and is good enough to get this upset. Hurkacz in 4
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