With a host of star names set to take to the hallowed courts at the All England Club, the stage is set for another entertaining start at Wimbledon. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Danielle Collins vs Julie Grabher, Victoria Azarenka vs Yuan Yue, Iga Swiatek vs Zhu Lin, Jessica Pegula vs Lauren Davis, Coco Gauff vs Sofia Kenin, Venus Williams vs Elina Svitolina and Caroline Garcia vs Katie Volynets. But who will advance?
Wimbledon Day 1 Predictions
Sloane Stephens vs Rebecca Peterson
Damian: We’ve not seen Stephens on the court since Roland Garros, where she had a pretty brilliant run. It’s been ages since the 2013 quarterfinalist had a big result on grass, but it’s not like she can’t play on it. With Peterson’s mediocre form right now, Stephens is the favorite.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Jordan: The former US Open champion Stephens hasn’t reached the fourth round of Wimbledon since her quarterfinal appearance in 2013. She also has not played any events in the run up to Wimbledon. World #72 Peterson does not possess a game clearly suited to grass though. Stephens will have too much.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Andreas: Stephens played well at the French Open, falling to Aryna Sabalenka in the fourth round. If it weren’t for her tough draw, the American could have gone further. Wimbledon isn’t her best tournament, so watch out to see whether Stephens has the motivation and grit to play her best. The American should win, but it could get tricky against Peterson, a player who grinds out point after point.
Prediction: Stephens in 3
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Cristina Bucsa vs Kamila Rakhimova
Damian: This one looks really tough to predict. Despite grabbing just two wins in three events this grass swing, Bucsa was actually a bit unlucky with her draws and kept running into dangerous opponents. She should be the one controlling the rallies here.
Prediction: Bucsa in 3
Jordan: This is a battle between the world #70 and #76. Neither player has won a main draw grass court match in the run up to Wimbledon. It’s a pure toss up. Rakhimova to edge it.
Prediction: Rakhimova in 3
Andreas: An interesting matchup, with both players inexperienced on grass. This is both players’ first appearance at the All England Club, so it’ll be fascinating to see how either player holds up with the pressure. Bucsca has a bit more experience at Grand Slam level, so look for the Spaniard to capitalize.
Prediction: Bucsca in 3
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Katie Swan vs Belinda Bencic
Damian: Belinda Bencic’s such an excellent grass-courter, but she’s coming into Wimbledon undercooked with no matches since going out in the opening round at the French. This is likely to depend on her fitness, which we simply don’t have that much info about yet.
Prediction: Bencic in 3
Jordan: Katie Swan has the advantage of a home crowd to back her. But one previous second round appearance at Wimbledon would indicate this hasn’t previously helped. Bencic with two Wimbledon fourth round appearances and 5 grass court finals should have too much.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Andreas: Going with an upset here; Swan made the final of a Challenger tournament on grass, and has the weapons to take out big names. With a home crowd behind her and Bencic’s inconsistency, the Brit could win this if she brings her A-game.
Prediction: Swan in 3
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Alycia Parks vs Anna-Lena Friedsam
Damian: Alycia Parks has been struggling since winning that title in Lyon and for now, it seems like she’s only doing well indoors. Will grass be an exception? With the big serve and aggressive groundstrokes, it sounds like a possibility. Her warm-ups weren’t great though.
Prediction: Parks in 3
Jordan: Parks is an exciting new talent among many in American tennis. She has little existent grass court appearance. Friedsam has a previous third round appearance in SW19. But I feel the American will have enough skill.
Prediction: Parks in 3
Andreas: While Parks hasn’t played her best since her breakthrough last fall, grass is a great opportunity for her to rebound. Parks can crack serves upwards of 120 mph, and such a weapon will allow her to get some key free points. Friedsam employs a more defensive game full of touch, so Parks will have to move well and be aware of everything on court.
Prediction: Parks in 3
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
