It promises to be an entertaining second day at Wimbledon. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Holger Rune vs Kwon Soon-woo, Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Taro Daniel, Alexander Zverev vs Roberto Carballes Baena, Hubert Hurkacz vs Radu Albot, Andrey Rublev vs Francisco Comesana, Alex de Minaur vs James Duckworth, and Novak Djokovic vs Vit Kopriva. But who will advance in SW19?
Wimbledon Day 2 Predictions
Andy Murray vs Tomas Machac
Jim: If Andy Murray takes to the court, it will be some achievement. But given his recent back procedure (and credit where credit is due, Tomas Machac’s quality, it is very hard to imagine Murray winning a set, nevermind the match.
Prediction: Machac in 3
Damian: Grass generally suits what Machac tries to do on the court with how he returns and likes taking the ball early. In all honesty it looks borderline unwinnable for Murray on paper, but you gotta wonder how big the Wimbledon magic and the support of the crowd on Centre will be. While it’s a factor, I can’t quite go all the way on the Brit here.
Prediction: Machac in 5
Yesh: Is this Andy Murray’s final Wimbledon? Quite possibly. Will he lose in first round if it is? Not a chance; not against Machac.
Prediction: Murray in 3
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Taylor Fritz vs Christopher O’Connell
Jim: Christopher O’Connell should provide Taylor Fritz with a good early test, but it is hard to see the Australian upending Fritz given the American’s excellent recent form – which includes a run to the title in Eastbourne.
Prediction: Fritz in 3
Damian: O’Connell has been withdrawing from tournaments with a shoulder problem left and right recently and we have no idea what his physical state is. Nonetheless, Fritz really shouldn’t be struggling too much here. He’s coming off that Eastbourne title and seems like a contender to pick up the pieces in that weaker third quarter.
Prediction: Fritz in 3
Yesh: Fritz is quickly staking his name as the top American man. He might not be a threat to win the whole event, but he’ll go far.
Prediction: Fritz in 3
Alejandro Tabilo vs Dan Evans
Jim: One might usually feel confident in Dan Evans’ chances against a South American opponent at Wimbledon. But Alejandro Tabilo has proven himself an adept grass-courter and comes into the match fresh from winning his second title in Mallorca. Evans, meanwhile, can hardly buy a win.
Prediction: Tabilo in 3
Damian: Eubanks made the Mallorca/Wimbledon double work for him last year despite the very different grass conditions and Tabilo will now be trying to do the same. It’s not easy following up a big run pre-Slam at the actual event and he’s already suffered from this twice this year. This time might go better as Evans is struggling with both his fitness and form.
Prediction: Tabilo in 5
Yesh: Evans was the #1 Brit for a while, but those days feel long gone. Tabilo might not have a ton of grass experience, but he’s talented and rising fast. I expect British fans to be disappointed in this one.
Prediction: Tabilo in 3
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Jacob Fearnley vs Alejandro Moro Canas
Jim: This could be a very watchable encounter and it is a huge opportunity for both to reach the second round at Wimbledon. There is not a huge amount in it on paper, but Jacob Fearnley will no doubt be able to call on the support of the crowd. Whilst that might add to the pressure, it could also make the difference when it matters most.
Prediction: Fearnley in 5
Damian: Fearnley won Nottingham and unless you’re a big college tennis fan, that’s probably the one event you watched him at. Was that his real level or is he actually not that good? That seems to be the question here as Moro Canas is developing nicely and can be there to capitalise if it turns out Fearnley can’t repeat his Nottingham level.
Prediction: Moro Canas in 5
Yesh: What an opportunity for one of these two men to reach a Slam second round. Moro Canas qualified in very unimpressive fashion, which means the British wild card has a real chance to extend his stay at SW19.
Prediction: Fearnley in 4
Main photo credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
