It should be an entertaining third day at the Championships (weather permitting) with plenty of star names in action and some intriguing matches on the slate. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match, including Casper Ruud vs Liam Broady, Hubert Hurkacz vs Jan Choinski and Andrey Rublev vs Aslan Karatsev. But who will reach the last 32?
Wimbledon Day 3 Predictions
Novak Djokovic vs Jordan Thompson
Jim: Novak Djokovic’s tournament got off to a strange start when a slippery court – despite the roof – delayed his match by around an hour-and-a-half early in the first set. But aside from that, it was a fairly composed performance from the seven-time champion. He did not really get out of first gear, but also never looked like he had to. Expect more of the same against Jordan Thompson.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Yesh: Djokovic didn’t show any first-round nerves like he has the past few years. Thompson is a solid grass player, but solid isn’t enough to keep this close.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Damian: Thompson is such a grass expert and plays this Murray-like style on this surface with an improving first serve and lots of smart slice grinding. The caliber of his weaponry is probably still not enough to trouble Djokovic though, I just don’t know how he wins points against him consistently.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Michael Mmoh vs Maximillian Marterer
Jim: Michael Mmoh scored what was surely the best win of his career by beating Felix Auger-Aliassime in the first round. It was also a win that had been a long time coming for the talented American. Maximillian Marterer has the firepower to cause him problems, however, and he will need to guard against a letdown. But Mmoh should have just about enough to beat the German.
Prediction: Mmoh in 5
Yesh: Mmoh served beautifully in an upset over Felix Auger-Aliassime. And, honestly, there’s no reason to think he can’t do the same again.
Prediction: Mmoh in 4
Damian: It’s a huge run for both guys already with Marterer qualifying and beating Gojo, while Mmoh eliminated Auger-Aliassime as a lucky loser. The American has been so streaky since the opening round in Roehampton and this might be where he finally pays the price for that. Marterer will not gift him as many errors as Auger-Aliassime did.
Prediction: Marterer in 4
[cta id=4014 type=cta]
David Goffin vs Marcelo Barrios Viera
Jim: Once, this would have had a comfortable David Goffin win written all over it. The Belgian’s powers have waned, however, and Marcelo Barrios Viera has enjoyed a memorable run through the qualifying to the second round. Ultimately, however, Goffin’s enduring grass-court nous should give him a decisive edge.
Prediction: Goffin in 4
Yesh: Goffin looks in solid form, and his game is well-suited to grass. He got a little lucky with Nick Kyrgios’ withdrawal, but he’s ready to take full advantage.
Prediction: Goffin in 3
Damian: Barrios Vera’s grass game is truly great and he’s not your typical clay-courter with the flat-hitting and relentless aggression. Goffin looked phenomenal in round one though and made the Wimbledon quarterfinals in his previous two appearances. He’s got that magic in him and might be ready to unleash it again.
Prediction: Goffin in 4
Embed from Getty Images
Daniel Elahi Galan vs Oscar Otte
Jim: It’s been a tough season for Oscar Otte, but the German has a liking for the grass courts at the All England Club. The qualifier memorably extended an admittedly diminished Andy Murray to five sets two years ago and made the last 32 a year ago. Having looked sharp so far, he now comes up against an opponent more comfortable on the clay (notwithstanding a fine first-round performance). don’t be surprised to see Otte back in the third round.
Prediction: Otte in 4
Yesh: Otte has an enormous serve. He’s struggled with consistency for the past year or so, but it’s impossible to pick against him on grass. It’s just too easy for him to blast his way through.
Prediction: Otte in 4
Damian: Otte came into Wimbledon qualifying with a 6-18 win/loss record for the year and in desperate need of points. He’s turned it around so beautifully and actually has a decent chance to keep going. Galan is okay on the grass, but doesn’t have the upside of the German at his peak.
Prediction: Otte in 4
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
