With 32 first-round matches on the schedule, it promises to be an exciting opening day at Wimbledon. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate in SW19, including Iga Swiatek vs Zhu Lin, Victoria Azarenka vs Yuan Yue, Sloane Stephens vs Rebecca Peterson, 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
Danielle Collins vs Julie Grabher
Damian: Collins is struggling to stay healthy recently and her Wimbledon records aren’t that great. This is a nice opportunity for her though as Grabher’s game doesn’t possess much of a threat, so this one should be mostly on the American’s racket.
Prediction: Collins in 3
Jordan: Former Australian Open finalist Collins has played no events in the lead up to Wimbledon, and seems least comfortable on the grass. But despite making much progress this year, Grabher is a clay-court specialist. Her playing style is unsuited to Wimbledon. Collins to be a little more comfortable on grass to win.
Prediction: Collins in 3
Andreas: This could be a great opportunity for Collins to rebound her tennis career. While Grabher played some nice tennis on the clay courts, grass doesn’t help her style of play. Ultimately, being unseeded should take a little bit of pressure off the American, and she could have a nice week here.
Prediction: Collins in 2
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Mayar Sherif vs Rebeka Masarova
Damian: Masarova played well in Bad Homburg, but ended up having to retire in the quarterfinals. If she can get herself back in shape very quickly, she’ll be the favorite to take this one. She’s got the big serve and the ability to attack Sherif’s extreme forehand grip.
Prediction: Masarova in 3
Jordan: The Egyptian Sherif has been rewarded for reaching her highest ever ranking by being seeded at Wimbledon. Sherif though is a clay-court specialist. The talented Masarova has not had a significant breakthrough on grass yet. But I am backing her to make Sherif one of the seeds to go out in the first round.
Prediction: Masarova in 2
Andreas: Masarova notably had to retire from a minor freak accident in Bad Homburg, so hopefully she will be able to carry on in this match. Sherif hasn’t lived up to her ranking as of late, and never plays her best on the grass. With that, look for Masarova to capitalize if she’s healthy.
Prediction: Masarova in 3
Magda Linette vs Jil Teichmann
Damian: Teichmann’s game doesn’t seem too suitable for grass with the heavy lefty topspin, although she finally started gathering wins on it this year. It’s not like Linette is in some amazing form, but she should handle the conditions better than her opponent.
Prediction: Linette in 2
Jordan: Linette has reached the third round of SW19 on two occasions. She is also sitting just outside the top 20. Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam where Teichmann has never managed a win. Linette to get a comfortable win.
Prediction: Linette in 2
Andreas: Neither player has been at their best of late, with Linette failing to use her seed in recent grass court events to her advantage. This match could go either way, but look for Linette to just edge through this one. Teichmann will have to stay consistent on the ground to have a shot.
Prediction: Linette in 3
Leylah Fernandez vs Katerina Baindl
Damian: With just five matches played on grass in her career, there’s still not that much we know about Fernandez on this surface. She likes the lower bounce and can easily redirect in fast conditions though, so she should be fine. Looks like a nice draw for her.
Prediction: Fernandez in 2
Jordan: Baindl is currently ranked slightly higher than the former US Open finalist Fernandez. However, the Ukrainian has not reached the second round of Wimbledon in 5 attempts. Fernandez has only one appearance at Wimbledon, but her style of re-directing pace from her opponent could be suited to grass. The Canadian to win.
Prediction: Fernandez in 2
Andreas: After dishing out bakery products in Fernandez’s first round match in Bad Homburg, she lost to Blinkova which highlighted her continued inconsistency. The Canadian desperately needs a good run, and this first round match could help her gain some momentum. Baindi is yet to win a match at Wimbledon in what is now her fifth attempt.
Prediction: Fernandez in 2
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
