The Wimbledon third round wraps up on day six as the top half of the men’s draw looks to find their places in the second week. Novak Djokovic continues to impress but must deal with a tricky Round 3 opponent in Miomir Kecmanovic. Elsewhere, our other prediction article features Jannik Sinner vs Pedro Martinez. But who will advance to Round 4?
Wimbledon Day 6 Men’s Predictions
Jakub Mensik vs Flavio Cobolli
Jordan
The baseline rallies will be fascinating in this match. Cobolli has a better forehand, while Mensik’s backhand is superior. I think the Czechs’ greater ability to win free points on serve might prove decisive.
Prediction: Mensik in 4
Shane
Both players are solid from the ground. The difference in this one will be the Mensik serve. His ability to win free points will be something Cobolli cannot contend with over a best-of-five match.
Prediction: Mensik in 4
Tope
Flavio Cobolli has continued his fine form in Wimbledon without dropping a set. However, playing the big-serving Jakub Mensik will be his sternest test yet. The Czech is rightly favoured to win, but he is prone to making double faults and unforced errors, which the Italian will certainly take advantage of.
Prediction: Cobolli in 5
Girgor Dimitrov vs Sebastian Ofner
Jordan
Hopefully, Dimitrov holds up physically. He has retired at his last four Grand Slams, and played quite a long second-round match. If the Bulgarian remains healthy, he has a more complete and classy game on grass.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 4
Shane
Ofner was able to exploit an injured Tommy Paul in Round 2. Look for him to try to wear down Dimitrov, who has been a retirement machine in Slams. Although I favor Dimitrov’s game on the grass, given his retirement history, it is hard for me to consistently side with him.
Prediction: Ofner in 5
Tope
While the Bulgarian is by far the better player, a lot will depend on how he holds up physically. Tricky tie against the capable Swiss and over five sets, look for Ofner to dig deep and continue his run here.
Prediction: Ofner in 5
Ben Shelton vs Marton Fucsovics
Jordan
Shelton is on a roll, and a very good performance will probably be needed to stop him. I do not think Fucsovics is the man to produce that. He fought through in five sets against Gael Monfils, but stopping Shelton will be harder.
Prediction: Shelton in 3
Shane
Shelton always raises his performance to the moment. He should sense a terrific opportunity given the draw he finds himself in. Fucsovics has done well to find the third round after starting in qualies, but he does not have the firepower to keep up with the American.
Prediction: Shelton in 4
Tope
Fuscovics is capable of troubling top players on grass as he has demonstrated; however, Shelton’s ability to remain disciplined, limit unforced errors, and remain decisive nullifies the freedom the Hungarian has enjoyed in the previous rounds.
Prediction: Shelton in 4
Novak Djokovic vs Miomir Kecmanovic
Jordan
Djokovic played one of his best matches of the season against Dan Evans. I doubt the seven-time Wimbledon champion will need to be at that level against Kecmanovic. His compatriot does not have any major weapons to cause damage.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Shane
Djokovic looks in form, to say the least. Outside of a tiebreak loss in Round 1, the seven-time champ has not dropped more than three games in a set through two rounds. Kecmanovic has an incredibly consistent game from the baseline, but to beat Djokovic, you must possess incredible firepower; something he does not have.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Tope
Miomir will make this all Serbian affair a difficult one for his more illustrious compatriot, but expect Novak Djokovic to continue his dominance in their head-to-head.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
