Day 8 at Wimbledon will see four men’s singles matches as we conclude the fourth round. We get plenty of blockbuster matches–plus one astounding American story–as we get into the final rounds of this year’s Championships. Our writers here at LWOT will share their thoughts on all four matches. Predicting these matches are Shane Black, Damian Kust, and Jordan Reynolds. We also have predictions for Monday’s women’s matches. Who do you think will advance?
Wimbledon Day 8 Men’s Predictions
Daniil Medvedev vs Jiri Lehecka
Shane:
No. 3 seed Daniil Medvedev takes on the unseeded Jiri Lehecka with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line. It will be the winners’ first quarterfinal appearance at the All-England Club. Lehecka has found success this week when being ultra-aggressive. Unfortunately for him, Medvedev is the best in the world at defending his opponents’ power. I see the Russian getting through this match unscathed.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Damian:
Medvedev had a really tricky draw with Mannarino and Fucsovics, both very capable of making him uncomfortable with the low balls to the forehand. He managed to solve these riddles impressively and now finds himself pitted against a more conventional attacking style of Lehecka. The young Czech needs to close down the net efficiently here and then maybe will a have shot, but it’s not a bad matchup for Medvedev.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
Jordan:
Medvedev was not fancied much to be a contender to Djokovic before the tournament but he is going about his business competently and professionally. His movement on the Wimbledon grass in particular is looking better than in previous years. Lehecka is dangerous if he finds his range from the back of the court, and does not have much to lose in his first Wimbledon fourth round. I think Medvedev will be too consistent for him over a five-set match.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
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Grigor Dimitrov vs Holger Rune
Shane:
Grigor Dimitrov has dominated his three opponents in London. The 2014 Wimbledon semifinalist was incredibly consistent from the baseline in week one. Holger Rune is running on magic after his Round 3 victory over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Rune has the tools to become an elite grass-court player, but his inexperience on the surface will hurt him against the veteran.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 4
Damian:
It’s quietly been a really strong season for Dimitrov. Maybe there hasn’t been a standout run/win yet, but the Bulgarian is simply producing consistent results and winning all the matches he should be winning. Rune will eventually figure out his grass game, but he’s probably still a year or two away from being a Wimbledon threat. Dimitrov’s experience on this surface and the ability to use the slice so intelligently should help him here.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 5
Jordan:
Both men got to this point in wholly different ways. Dimitrov was impeccable in his surprise demolition of Francis Tiafoe, while Holger Rune staged a dramatic comeback from 8-5 down in a final set tiebreak to win. It is so often the hope that kills with Dimitrov, looking promising on many occasions before producing a surprise poor showing. I’m going to back him to not let me down and knock out the sixth seed.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 4
Christopher Eubanks vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
Shane:
Stefanos Tsitsipas squares off against American Christopher Eubanks for the first time with a Wimbledon quarterfinal spot on the line. Eubanks has been tremendous on the grass this season, holding a 13-3 record and his maiden title in Mallorca. His serve is as powerful as anyone on tour. That said, the Greek was thoroughly tested in week one and will be ready for whatever Eubanks throws at him.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 4
Damian:
Eubanks currently finds himself on an eight-match win streak along with his maiden ATP title in Mallorca. Even that confidence itself makes him a threat here, plus there’s also the huge serve that he’ll use to target the liabilities in Tsitsipas’s return on grass. The Greek has been playing some pretty great tennis this week though and if he can be so active in his footwork towards the inside-in and inside-out forehand again, his backhand side weaknesses might not matter.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 4
Jordan:
This is very likely to be a match decided by fine details. Eubanks has served unbelievably on his way to his first Grand Slam fourth round, while the serve and forehand combination of Tsitsipas has been the most lethal I’ve seen so far at Wimbledon this year. Eubanks did hold his nerve in the tight moments excellently as he beat Christopher O’Connell in three tiebreaks. But I believe the more experienced Tsitsipas will be able to find a way to get it done, and put an end to the American’s terrific grass court form.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 4
Carlos Alcaraz vs Matteo Berrettini
Shane:
Carlos Alcaraz vs Matteo Berrettini part four sets up to be an absolute blockbuster. Their three previous meetings went to a deciding set, with the Spaniard emerging victorious twice. The Italian has won nine consecutive sets after dropping his opening set of the tournament to Lorenzo Sonego. His serve will carry him in this match, but can it lead him to victory? I see the young Spaniard outlasting Berrettini in five.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 5
Damian:
It was hard to consider Berrettini a factor at Wimbledon after his Stuttgart performance, but the Italian arrived in London in completely different form. He’s yet to be broken, coming out of an extremely tough section with Sonego/de Minaur/Zverev. This is a new layer of danger in Alcaraz’s draw and the Spaniard will have to step up. Let’s say he does, but this is far from a vote of confidence as Berrettini in full flight is incredible on grass.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 5
Jordan:
The #1 seed had a very tough match against an impressive Nicolas Jarry. The Spaniard will be hoping he is battle hardened after that experience on Centre Court. But I am backing the 2021 Wimbledon runner-up to pull off an upset here. His serve has looked near unstoppable in the first three rounds, and if he continues at that level, even Alcaraz will struggle to break him. Alcaraz loves entertaining the crowd with his shot making, and will need to stay focused during spells where Barrettini is holding comfortably. My gut feeling is the Italian will thrive most in the big moments at this tournament he loves so much and knock out the second favourite for Wimbledon.
Prediction: Berrettini in 4
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
