Rafael Nadal looks to get off to a winning start on day 2 of Wimbledon, Jack Sock brings his powerful forehand to London as well. We have predictions for all the biggest matches on day 2 including Stefanos Tsitsipas opening match.
Rafael Nadal vs Francisco Cerundolo
Jakub Bobro: Nadal’s successful foot treatment to counteract his chronic issues has been described as make-or-break. Well the Spaniard is ready to play, so it looks like it was make. He does not come with much preparation, playing an exhibition as a lead-up. The 36-year-old gets a great draw in Cerundolo though. The 23-year-old has done very little since his breakout Miami run and has six career matches on grass. An ideal opponent for Nadal to play himself into form as he attempts to keep his hopes for a Grand Slam alive. Nadal in 3
Damian Kust: Rafael Nadal’s form at this year’s Wimbledon will be a bit of a question mark until we see him in a tough challenge, but that likely won’t be it. Francisco Cerundolo has an aggressive style that could fit grass, but at this point in time, he just doesn’t move on it that well. Nadal in 3
Daniel Evans vs Jason Kubler
Jakub: Evans had a middling season before June but the grass has brought time alive. The 32-year-old beat Jack Sock and Jordan Thompson to win the Nottingham Challenger and then took early losses to strong opposition, losing to Matteo Berrettini at Queen’s Club and Maxime Cressy in Eastbourne. Kubler has been very strong across all surfaces this season and qualified well. He will keep Evans in check and make him rally but Evans should be winning here. Evans in 4
Damian: Dan Evans has had a few disappointing losses at Wimbledon the past few years. The Brit won’t have it easy here against one of the most dangerous qualifiers, who’s playing so well this year that the surface or conditions don’t really matter. Evans in 4
Liam Broady vs Lukas Klein
Jakub: Broady was strong in the first three months of the season but has only won six of his last 15 matches. The Brit is not a particularly strong grass player while Klein impressed in qualifying. The Slovak only began his season at the end of March after a wrist injury and has looked better than ever, going 19-9, winning his first Challenger title as a qualifier and qualifying for his first slam, beating the experienced Andreas Seppi in four sets. I see Klein pulling through here. Klein in 4
Damian: Lukas Klein is coming back off a long wrist injury and already outperforming his previous results. The Slovakian has a big serve and often plays with a forward mindset, making him a very dangerous competitor on the grass. Klein in 4
Bernabe Zapata Miralles vs Jack Sock
Jakub: Zapata Miralles’ run to the second week at the French was very impressive and he qualified well but Sock is just a step above. The best player in qualifying, the former No. 8 is 10-2 on grass in 2022, only losing to Dan Evans and Zizou Bergs. The Spaniard is sure to battle and loves making matches dramatic but Sock should be advancing here. Sock in 5
Damian: Bernabe Zapata Miralles qualified for the second year in a row and is clearly a quite competent grass-courter. The shotmaking potential of Jack Sock is that much bigger though and the American looked glorious in qualifying. Sock in 4
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