One of Britain’s top players Cameron Norrie begins his Wimbledon journey against Pablo Andujar, Reilly Opelka also plays. We have predictions for every day 1 match from the tournament including Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic’s first round matches.
Cameron Norrie vs Pablo Andujar
Damian Kust: It hasn’t been a perfect grass campaign for Cameron Norrie, but it’s hard to imagine him losing this one. Even back in his prime, Pablo Andujar was never a factor on this surface (4-16 win/loss record) and now he’s probably going to be quite easy for the Brit to outlast. Norrie in 3
Steen Kirby: Norrie went just 1-2 on grass in warm up tournaments but Andujar is allergic to clay and is unlikely to threaten him all the same. Presuming Norrie is fit this match looks straightforward for the home British player. Norrie in 3
Jim Smith: Andujar is a solid baseliner with a good sense of when to step in and apply the pressure. That would probably be enough to at least keep his competitive against most of the draw at Wimbledon. But Norrie is a cut above most of the competition in SW19. Expect the Briton to advance comfortably. Norrie in 3
Reilly Opelka vs Carlos Taberner
Damian: Reilly Opelka is coming into Wimbledon in sub-optimal form and contrary to popular belief, grass doesn’t really suit him that much with the low bounces that force him to bend the knees. Still, this is a great draw against a hardcore clay specialist without much attacking repertoire. Opelka in 3
Steen: Taberner hasn’t won consecutive matches since Barcelona and much prefers clay. Opelka lost three straight matches after reaching the Geneva semifinals on clay, still on grass courts his powerful serve is a useful weapon and he won’t need to play exceptionally well to dispatch Taberner. Opelka in 3
Jim: How well suited is Opelka to the grass? That remains to be seen, with his big serve perhaps not the asset some would assume when it comes at the cost of his movement. But Taberner is a clay-courter through and through. Opelka is surely better suited to the surface than him. Opelka in 3
Tomas Martin Etcheverry vs Ugo Humbert
Damian: Ugo Humbert is struggling for confidence right now, but the conditions in London are very good for his game. Perhaps if he can snatch a few wins, he’ll play himself into a form. This favorable draw is a start. Humbert in 3
Steen: Etcheverry is a decent clay court player, I’m not as convinced on grass though. Humbert is struggling going 1-2 on grass in warm up tournaments, the Frenchman is still good enough to win this though. Humbert in 3
Jim: Etcheverry likely has a bright future, but he has no record at all to speak of on the grass at this level. Humbert, meanwhile, has not kicked on as expected, but the Frenchman should have more than enough quality to negotiate the challenge posed by the Argentine. Humbert in 3
Pablo Carreno Busta vs Dusan Lajovic
Damian: Pablo Carreno Busta has never won a match at Wimbledon, losing in the opening round on all six attempts. He might never get a better chance than this and in recent years, his performances in smaller grass events have actually been quite solid. An opportunity he should capitalize on. Carreno Busta in 5
Steen: PCB leads the h2h 5-2, the Spaniard has a horrific record at Wimbledon, but Lajovic would much prefer clay for his part as well. With Carreno Busta coming off a quarterfinal on grass ahead of Wimbledon, he looks set to win his first match at this tournament, something he’s long desired. Carreno Busta in 4
Jim: This has the makings of a close match. Both men are rather more comfortable on clay and hard courts than they are the grass, but they have the tools to succeed (to a degree) on grass courts. Lajovic has the greater range of shots, but can struggle for consistency. That is not a charge anyone has levelled at Carreno Busta and that is why he should be accounted the favourite here. Carreno Busta in 4
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