There should be no shortage of entertaining tennis for the fans on day one at Wimbledon. As ever, 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, Sloane Stephens vs Rebecca Peterson, Jessica Pegula vs Lauren Davis, Coco Gauff vs Sofia Kenin, Venus Williams vs Elina Svitolina and Iga Swiatek vs Zhu Lin. But who will advance?
Wimbledon Day 1 Predictions
Caroline Garcia vs Katie Volynets
Jim: Caroline Garcia has a game that looks well-suited to the grass, with her mindset typically aggressive and her ability in the forecourt matched by few on the tour. Her actual record on the surface leaves a little to be desired, but she has reached second week at Wimbledon twice. Provided she has recovered from the injury she picked up in Eastbourne, expect her to have the beating of Volynets.
Prediction: Garcia in 2
Jakub: Garcia had a decent grass season with quarterfinals in Berlin and Eastbourne but had to retire from her last match. Volynets comes in on a six-match losing streak though, so if Garcia is partially fit at least, she should win.
Prediction: Garcia in 2
Jordan: WTA Finals champion Garcia has been an all court player throughout her career, reaching at least the fourth round at all the Majors. It will be fascinating to see if her ultra aggressive second serve return position leaves her feeling rushed on grass or if it works particularly well taking time from her opponent. There were mixed signs in her two grass tournaments before Wimbledon where she reached the quarterfinals of both. She will be too good for Katie Volynets who is making her second appearance at Wimbledon and is seeking her first win at SW19.
Prediction: Garcia in 2
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Linda Fruhvirtova vs Petra Martic
Jim: This will be an interesting match. Linda Fruhvirtova clearly has a bright future and the grass should suit her aggressive intent. But she has never played at Wimbledon before and does not have much experience of grass-court tennis. Petra Martic, in contrast, has a good record in SW19 and might prove a challenge too far for Fruvirtova.
Prediction: Martic in 3
Jakub: Fruhvirtova got a couple of nice wins over Elina Svitolina and Bernarda Pera in Birmingham but faces an experienced Martic. I expect a close contest with the Croat ending up on top.
Prediction: Martic in 3
Jordan: Both women have had similar fortunes in the run up to Wimbledon, with both reaching one quarterfinal. Martic is the one with the greater grass court pedigree with two fourth round appearances, and has been one of the most underrated performers for many years. I believe she will be a little too crafty for her dangerous opponent.
Prediction: Martic in 3
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Jodie Burrage vs Caty McNally
Jim: Jodie Burrage has enjoyed a very promising grass-court season, reaching the final in Nottingham and the second round in Eastbourne as a qualifier. If she can maintain that form, don’t be surprised to see her get the better of the young American Caty McNally.
Prediction: Burrage in 3
Jakub: British wildcard Burrage had a great run to the final of Nottingham, the best in her career so far. McNally’s game works well on grass but she went 2-2 in the warm-ups. A good opportunity for Burrage to grab her first Wimbledon main draw win.
Prediction: Burrage in 3
Jordan: Burrage has failed to win in both her previous appearances at Wimbledon. However, just a few weeks ago she had an incredible run at Nottingham, losing to countrywoman Katie Boulder. McNally has won a few matches in the run up to Wimbledon but has also never been past the first round at SW19. I have an inkling Burrage may find it difficult to replicate her Nottingham heroics, and McNally will squeeze through.
Prediction: McNally in 3
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Katerina Siniakova vs Zheng Qinwen
Jim: Katerina Siniakova will have to contend with fatigue after her excellent effort in Bad Homburg. But if she can bounce back physically, this looks like a very winnable match for a player of her quality on this surface.
Prediction: Siniakova in 2
Jakub: An exciting first-round match as Siniakova comes in with a title from Bad Homburg. Zheng Qinwen made the third round at Wimbledon last year, only losing to eventual champion Elena Rybakina. I could see this going either way but I will lean toward Zheng.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
Jordan: Siniaková enters Wimbledon with excellent momentum after winning the Bad Homburg Open, and has the game style to cause players major problems at Wimbledon. Zheng is seeded at Wimbledon and made the third round last year, making her a tough opponent. I think Siniaková is a player capable of using the positivity of her recent tournament win to come through this match.
Prediction: Siniaková in 3
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
