Day 2 of Wimbledon brings a full half of the women’s first round–32 matches in all. And as always, we here at LastWordOnTennis predict every single one for you. We split Tuesday’s matches between eight articles. In addition to this one, our other articles feature Iga Swiatek vs Sofia Kenin, Jelena Ostapenko vs Ajla Tomljanovic, Danielle Collins vs Clara Tauson, Barbora Krejcikova vs Veronika Kudermetova, Elena Rybakina vs Elena-Gabriela Ruse, Jessica Pegula vs Ashlyn Kreuger, and Ons Jabeur vs Moyuka Uchijima. Predicting these matches are Damian Kust, Jordan Reynolds, and Manuel Traquete. Who do you think will win?
Wimbledon Day 2 Predictions
Elina Svitolina vs Magda Linette
Damian:
Svitolina had a great run at Wimbledon last year with new-found aggression and flatter hitting. Things have been a little up and down for her of late, but Linette isn’t particularly dangerous and the Ukrainian should be making her way past this matchup.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Jordan:
These two are both happy to grind our results and will make each other work hard. But Svitolina is a better player on grass. Her increased firepower since returning from maternity leave will also help her to hit through Linette in this matchup.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Manuel:
Svitolina is a former two-time semifinalist at this Slam, showing how capable she is on the surface. Last year, she even beat Iga Swiatek on her way; while such a run will be very hard to repeat, she should be able to win this opening match against a tricky opponent in Linette.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Liudmila Samsonova vs Rebeka Masarova
Damian:
Samsonova can go hot or cold in the span of seconds and you never really know what’s going to happen. But on grass, the margins get a little finer for her style. Masarova, on the other hand, seems far off her headline-making 2023 form right now.
Prediction: Samsonova in 2
Jordan:
Samsonova is capable of being a dark horse at Wimbledon if she finds her game, which is a great fit for grass. She showed some of that quality during her run to the title in ‘S-Hertogenbosch a few weeks ago. Her blistering power is likely to be too much for Masarova to handle.
Prediction: Samsonova in 2
Manuel:
Samsonova won the title in Den Bosch, showing a very good level on this surface. While she couldn’t maintain it in subsequent tournaments, she looks like someone who can make a run here at Wimbledon and should easily win this opening round.
Prediction: Samsonova in 2
Anhelina Kalinina vs Elina Avanesyan
Damian:
Variety players can handle themselves on the grass and Avanesyan isn’t in as much trouble as you would think on the surface given her moonballing tendencies. Is she the favorite here? Probably not, but it’s not like it’s very obvious.
Prediction: Kalinina in 3
Jordan:
Avanesyan is one of the grittiest players in the women’s game. But grass is her worst surface by a distance. Kalinina will be able to hit through her and progress if she keeps her composure throughout the match.
Prediction: Kalinina in 2
Manuel:
It should be a very tight match. Both players have played a lot of matches on grass this year and showed to be comfortable on the surface. They have displayed similar levels and there should very little to choose between them tomorrow.
Prediction: Kalinina in 3
Caroline Wozniacki vs Alycia Parks
Damian:
Parks turned her season around beautifully in Gaiba, saving a match point in her first match there, winning the event, and then getting through Wimbledon qualifying. Last time when she was on fire just like that, she looked like one of the best players in the world (November/December 2022). Kicking her out of it won’t be easy.
Prediction: Parks in 3
Jordan:
Wozniacki played well in Bad Homburg heading into Wimbledon and will be confident against Parks. However. I am backing the American to cause an upset here. Parks has not shown her true ability yet on grass, but it is the surface that suit her powerful game the most. Wozniacki is also slightly less adept at playing against that style compared to the past.
Prediction: Parks in 3
Manuel:
Wozniacki’s comeback hasn’t been going great in general, but she has actually got a few decent wins on grass already, given the draw she might well be able to win her opening match here.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
