Day 1 at Wimbledon features plenty of intriguing first-round women’s matches including Aryna Sabalenka, with the world’s best looking to make strong starts and several rising talents hoping to announce themselves on the sport’s biggest stage. Our writers share their thoughts and predictions for four matches, including Aryna Sabalenka’s opening-round clash.
Wimbledon Day 1 Women’s Predictions
Aryna Sabalenka vs Teodora Kostovic
Amanda Bergman:
Teodora Kostovic had a solid run in qualifying, but a first-ever Grand Slam main draw match against Aryna Sabalenka is far from ideal. Sabalenka hasn’t lost in the first round of a Grand Slam in six years, and it’s hard to see that streak ending here as Sabalenka is the far more experienced player.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Nurein Ahmed:
For Kostovic, this was the dream draw in her own words. But it is too big a challenge at this stage of her career. Aryna Sabalenka is my tournament favorite and I don’t expect her to stumble.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Peyton Stearns vs Nikola Bartunkova
Amanda:
It’s been a breakout year for Nikola Bartunkova and she seems primed for a run at Wimbledon after showcasing her high level on grass. In contrast, this is Peyton Stearns’ worst surface, and Bartunkova’s level and variety should get her through this first round fairly easily.
Prediction: Bartunkova in 2
Nurein:
Stearns has so much offensive power with her forehand, but Nikola Bartunkoa is the player in good form. The Czech played a fine warm-up tournament in Berlin and should have this match on her racket.
Prediction: Bartunkova in 2
Claire Liu vs Hanne Vandewinkel
Amanda:
While Claire Liu had to come through qualifying and Hanne Vandewinkel didn’t, Liu has the slight edge here as a junior Wimbledon champion. Vandewinkel’s lack of experience in Grand Slam main draws could be detrimental, and this is the sort of match Liu is capable of winning.
Prediction: Liu in 3
Nurein:
It’s back-to-back Grand Slam main draws for Claire Liu and once more, she did it from qualifying. She’s also the experienced player in this matchup.
Prediction: Liu in 3
Francesca Jones vs Diane Parry
Amanda:
Francesca Jones went winless this grass season and hasn’t been past the first round of Wimbledon, which doesn’t bode well against Diane Parry. Parry is coming into this tournament with a few grass wins under her belt and has made solid Wimbledon runs in the past, which gives her the edge here.
Prediction: Parry in 2
Nurein:
A loss to Irina-Camelia Begu in Bad Homburg is a slightly worrying result for Diane Parry. But the Frenchwoman should be in a good position to bounce back here. She made the third round of Wimbledon last year and her skillset suits grass. Jones’ confidence is so low right now and grass has not been her strongest surface.
Prediction: Parry in 2
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
