Tatjana Maria takes her in-form grass court game to the famous SW19 Wimbledon Courts on day 2o f the Championships. American Danielle Collins is also in action as our panelists have predictions for every first round match.
Danielle Collins vs Camila Osorio
Manuel: While the two players are quite close in ranking, Collins, despite not really enjoying the surface herself, should have the clear advantage in this matchup on grass and make it through here.
Prediction: Collins in 2
Yesh: Danielle Collins staved off retirement so she could make deep runs at Majors again. I expect big things from her this fortnight. Prediction: Collins in 2
Damian: Collins had her best run at Wimbledon last year (fourth round) and usually comes to the Slams pretty motivated. She’s a more natural grass-courter than Osorio in terms of playstyle, but the Colombian moves well and knows how to direct the ball around the court. Collins will need her weapons to be on point. Collins in 3
Tatjana Maria vs Katie Volynets
Manuel: Maria proved once again in London how good she is on grass by winning that title against all odds and she is definitely one of the Wimbledon dark horses. Volynets won’t be an easy opponent but Maria should pull through here.
Prediction: Maria in 2
Yesh: Tatjana Maria is really, really, really good on grass. Even as she’s approaching 40 years old. She should beat Volynets, and then who knows how far she can go.
Prediction: Maria in 2
Damian: Maria had that incredible run in Queen’s and is a former Wimbledon semifinalist. But this isn’t the kind of matchup she excels in and she would much rather face a tall big-hitter who would be more uncomfortable with her slice-and-dice options. A grinder like Volynets will not be spraying left and right against her, which could mean trouble. Volynets in 3
Hailey Baptiste vs Sorana Cirstea
Manuel: Neither player really enjoys playing in grass, but Baptiste has played a bit more this year and should generally have the advantage at this point in their respective careers.
Prediction: Baptiste in 2
Yesh: Hailey Baptiste has a breakout performance coming soon. I don’t know when it will be, but the potential should start with a win over Cirstea. Prediction: Baptiste in 2
Damian: It’s most likely Cirstea’s final year and she recently took two months off before only playing one match on grass in the lead-up swing. Baptiste doesn’t have as much experience on this surface in general, but recently beat her in Madrid and seems to have a nice package for grass that she’ll eventually learn how to master. Baptiste in 3
Veronika Kudermetova vs Lin Zhu
Manuel: This looks like a significant mismatch on paper, with Kudermetova a very clear favourite to advance here. It would be a very significant surprise if Zhu managed to advance here.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 2
Yesh: Kudermetova isn’t quite appreciated enough for how good she is. I expect her to win this match easily. Prediction: Kudermetova in 2
Damian: Kudermetova has done very well at other grass court events in the past, but for whatever reason her performances at Wimbledon have been disappointing (even if last year it turned out she lost the eventual champion). She’s still a pretty big favorite here with Zhu not quite finding her peak level yet after the injuries. Kudermetova in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
