64 players will be in action on the hallowed lawns at the All England Club on day two at Wimbledon. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Elena Rybakina vs Lois Boisson, Serena Williams vs Maya Joint, Iga Swiatek vs Taylor Townsend, Elina Svitolina vs Daria Snigur, Amanda Anisimova vs Lina Gjorcheska, Linda Noskova vs Ella Seiderl, and Alexandra Eala vs Renata Zarazua. But who will reach the second round in SW19?
Wimbledon Day 2 Predictions
Madison Keys vs Kayla Day
Zain: Kayla Day showed a great level during the qualifying rounds, not even dropping a single set on her way to making the main draw. Her game has been based around using her lefty angles to get into advantageous positions during rallies. But against Madison Keys, her run has likely come to an end, as the American is one of the best aggressive baseliners in the world, and on this surface that game plan works very well.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Ilemona: Keys has always been one of the most dangerous players on grass because of her serve and powerful groundstrokes. Day is capable of extending rallies, but Keys should create too many opportunities to attack behind her first serve.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Nurein: Keys was one of the winners this swing, picking up the title in Eastbourne in some style. Day plays a lot of counterpunching tennis and that is a recipe for disaster against a player as powerful and as effective as Keys on grass.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Katie Boulter vs Tyra Grant
Zain: Tyra Caterina Grant did extremely well to make the main draw at just 18 years old, playing some positive, aggressive tennis during the qualifying rounds. And although in a couple of years she should be looking to make deep runs at tournaments like this, right now she does not have the experience or the developed game to challenge Katie Boulter, who plays some of her best tennis on grass. Expect the Brit to eventually grind out a win here.
Prediction: Boulter in 3
Ilemona: Boulter thrives on grass and always seems to raise her level in front of the home crowd. Grant is an exciting young prospect with plenty of upside, but Boulter’s experience on the surface should help her manage the biggest moments and advance at Wimbledon.
Prediction: Boulter in 2
Nurein: Grant has plenty of upside, but she’s still learning how to play her best tennis on grass. By contrast, grass brings the best out of Boulter and the Briton should be safely through to the second round.
Prediction: Boulter in 2
Anna Blinkova vs Yuliia Starodubtseva
Zain: Both of these players have had some level of success against each other, and expect yet another competitive battle here. Anna Blinkova will look to use her aggressive baseline play, while Yuliia Starodubtseva will look to counter that with her own powerful groundstrokes. The Ukrainian’s court coverage gives her an advantage here, which is the reason why I think she can pull off the victory.
Prediction: Starodubtseva in 3
Ilemona: Both players possess solid baseline games, but Blinkova has produced stronger results on grass throughout her career. Her ability to absorb pace and counterattack should force Starodubtseva into taking extra risks. Expect Blinkova to advance at Wimbledon.
Prediction: Blinkova in 3
Nurein: Starodubtesva had a breakthrough result in a Grand Slam at the French Open, knocking out Elena Rybakina. The Ukrainian is finally achieving the results that match her talent. And I think on grass, she’ll be even more successful considering that she is so proactive in points.
Prediction: Starodubtseva in 3
Ajla Tomljanovic vs Mariam Bolkvadze
Zain: Mariam Bolkvadze played some positive tennis during the qualifying rounds to make the main draw. But her serve is still an issue, especially on this surface, as she tends to hit a bunch of double faults when not in rhythm. Against an opponent such as Ajla Tomljanovic, who might not be at her best anymore but is still very capable with her baseline style, I do not think she can have much success, especially if the Australian remains stable enough from the baseline.
Prediction: Tomljanovic in 2
Ilemona: Tomljanovic has always been comfortable on grass, where her flat groundstrokes stay low through the court. Bolkvadze is a determined competitor and played well to come through teh qualifying, but Tomljanovic’s experience at Wimbledon should help her stay in control.
Prediction: Tomljanovic in 2
Nurein: Tomljanovic should be the clear favorite here unless the Aussie’s game totally misfires. Bolkvadze can scrap and extend rallies but lacks consistent firepower to trouble Tomljanovic.
Prediction: Tomljanovic in 2
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
