The second round begins on Day 3 of Wimbledon, with 16 exciting women’s singles matches on offer. As always, our writers here at LWOT share their thoughts on all of the matches. We split the 16 matches between four articles–the other three feature Aryna Sabalenka vs Marie Bouzkova, Madison Keys vs Olga Danilovic, and Elina Svitolina vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Nurein Ahmed, and Manan Mehta. Who do you think will advance?
Wimbledon Day 3 Predictions
Elise Mertens vs Ann Li
Jordan:
Li will try to dominate this matchup with her forehand. Martens is usually great at winning these types of matches to make Grand Slam third rounds. I see no reason not to back her to cope with Li’s forehand and prevail.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Nurein:
Mertens is as reliable as they come in early rounds of Grand Slams, and her confidence is through the roof after winning the Libema Open title. Ann Li is tough to beat, though. She moves well and has a good base level. Mertens might need to play with so much discipline to avoid a shock defeat.
Prediction: Mertens in 3
Manan:
Mertens has made it to the latter stages more often than Li this year. She also won their previous final encounter in Singapore rather easily. Expect the same here.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Dalma Galfi
Jordan:
Haddad Maia played very well to see off Rebecca Sramkova. The Brazilian is an underrated player on grass, and could have a good run at SW19. I do not think Galfi is the woman to stop her.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
Nurein:
Haddad Mais escaped a potential upset in the opening round. She toughened up and secured a massive win over big-hitting Rebecca Sramkova. Galfi was also in great form in beating home favorite Harriet Dart from a set down. This could have three sets in it as Galfi can almost touch the third round of Major, but it is Haddad Maia who is likely to sneak through in the end.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3
Manan:
Haddad Maia has been performing frustratingly poor in recent times. However, she will hold the edge in this encounter as Galfi hasn’t been able to get past qualifying rounds or lower-tier events that often.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
Renata Zarazua vs Amanda Anisimova
Jordan:
Anisimova’s 6-0 6-0 win against Yulia Putintseva, who beat Iga Swiatek in last year’s third round, was extraordinary. The recent runner-up at the Queen’s Club showed her significant improvement on grass. It is impossible not to back her against an opponent with less grass court pedigree than Putintseva.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Nurein:
Anisimova completed the first double bagel of this year’s Wimbledon, and she’ll be a name that the top 10 would want to avoid. The American’s first strike will most certainly overwhelm Renata Zarazua.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Manan:
Anisimova looks like a force to deal with for Zarazua. A rare opportunity to compete in the main draw for Zarazua might get cut short facing the explosive power of Anisimova.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Emma Raducanu vs Marketa Vondrousova
Jordan:
This could be an epic battle. Raducanu has a high ceiling on grass, but the recent Berlin Open champion Vondrousova is in great form. The 2023 Wimbledon winner’s craft and high tennis IQ might make the difference in this matchup.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 3
Nurein:
This is a second-round blockbuster between two Grand Slam champions. And let’s be honest, the encouraging sign of seeing both players healthy in the first round promises a spectacle. I’ll give the edge to Vondrousova. She’s the proactive player and has looked much sharper this swing with that Berlin title.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Manan:
This is a juicy second round match. Raducanu seems to be slowly finding her feet again in the tour. Vondrousova on the other hand just one a grass court event in Berlin and looks solid this year.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
