After a fortnight of thrilling tennis, just two men remain in contention at Wimbledon. One is a 19-time Grand Slam champion looking to take the third step towards completing the Calendar Grand Slam. The other is a first-time finalist at this level. A thrilling match should be in store, but who will come out on top at the All England Club?
Wimbledon Final Prediction
Novak Djokovic vs Matteo Berrettini
Harsh: It’s the final that looked the most likely on current form. While Novak Djokovic was almost a lock in for the final, Matteo Berrettini catapulted himself to a title contender with a great tournament at Queen’s. If their French Open clash is anything to go by, we’re in for a treat. The Italian should be more competitive than he was on clay and his serve and forehand should cause headaches for the World No. 1. The Serb however has been mentally so strong this year and while he may lose more than a set, Djokovic should be the more clutch player come the fifth set.
Prediction: Djokovic in 5
Anurag: Berrettini has served impeccably through the fortnight. Djokovic had some difficulty dodging Shapovalov’s lightning fast backhands. Berrettini forehand has the same power and accuracy, and that could come in handy if he is to pose a challenge to the world #1. Djokovic has shown immense mental strength when it mattered most, particularly in the semifinal. The Italian has been very consistent this season and that makes him a tempting pick. But I will go with the Serb to move one step closer in his pursuit of the elusive Calendar Slam.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Steen: Berrettini got the job done and is a worthy finalist, with that said facing Djokovic after the Serbian won in straight sets in the semifinals is a massive challenge. Berrettini is playing well but he’s 0-2 in the head-to-head and I don’t see him being able to break Djokovic’s serve consistently enough to get the win. Djokovic will continue to be the man to beat in Grand Slams.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Yesh: In the semifinals, Denis Shapovalov played well all match, but he wilted in the tail end of sets. Still, he gave Berrettini a blueprint to try and mimic in the final. Can Berrettini do it? In short, he can’t. Shapovalov could hit huge off both wings to take control of the rallies. But Berrettini’s backhand is a weakness, and Djokovic will exploit it.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Jim: Djokovic hasn’t sparkled so far at Wimbledon, at least not by his lofty standards, but he has also dropped just one set in reaching the final and that was the first one he played. Berrettini is probably a cut above any of the opposition he has faced so far, but Djokovic also surely has quite a lot left in the tank. This won’t be entirely straightforward for the world #1 – he had some problems dealing with Berrettini on the clay and the Italian is more dangerous on the grass – but his experience and quality should give him the edge.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
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