The stage is set for an entertaining second day at Wimbledon with a host of star names in action. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule, including Elena Rybakina vs Lois Boisson, Madison Keys vs Kayla Day, Serena Williams vs Maya Joint, Elina Svitolina vs Daria Snigur, Amanda Anisimova vs Lina Gjorcheska, Linda Noskova vs Ella Seiderl, and Alexandra Eala vs Renata Zarazua. But who will march on to the second round?
Wimbledon Day 2 Predictions
Iga Swiatek vs Taylor Townsend
Zain: The defending champion kicks off her campaign in a potentially tricky match against Taylor Townsend, who, with her aggressive play and good volleys, can cause some trouble on grass. But Iga Swiatek’s baseline level is just too high, so even if she has some early-court jitters, she should do well enough to secure a second-round spot here.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Ilemona: Townsend’s serve-and-volley game makes her a dangerous opponent on grass, and she will look to keep points short whenever possible. Swiatek has continued to improve on the surface, and her returning and passing shots should allow her to gradually neutralize Townsend’s attacking patterns.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Nurein: Swiatek is far more comfortable on grass than she once was, but this should be a tricky opener to navigate. Townsend brings so much craft on the court thanks to her doubles prowess. That said, Swiatek’s movement and returning should eventually take over this match.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Donna Vekic vs Ashlyn Krueger
Zain: Ashlyn Krueger has the serve and forehand combination to cause trouble on grass, and against Donna Vekic she will have her opportunities, as the Croatian does not defend quite as well as she used to a couple of years ago. But Vekic has played quite well in the lead-up to this tournament, and if she maintains that level, it will not be a surprise if she edges out another close win here.
Prediction: Vekic in 3
Ilemona: This matchup should feature plenty of big serving and aggressive baseline exchanges. Vekic’s experience on grass and ability to finish points early could make the difference against an opponent who is still developing on the surface.
Prediction: Vekic in 3
Nurein: Krueger is one of the toughest qualifiers that Vekic could have drawn. The Texan has played some tremendous tennis since dropping to the lower levels in an effort to rebuild her career. Vekic will need to work for the victory but should have enough to advance at Wimbledon.
Prediction: Vekic in 3
Katie Bouzkova vs Talia Gibson
Zain: This match is a contrast in styles, pitting Talia Gibson’s aggression against the defensive capabilities of Marie Bouzkova. While Gibson has the power to hit through Bouzkova at times, she is prone to making errors, and against a defender of Bouzkova’s caliber, that can ultimately be her downfall. Expect Bouzkova to grind out a win here.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 3
Ilemona: Bouzkova’s movement and consistency have made her one of the trickier opponents on grass over the past few seasons. Gibson has enjoyed a strong rise through the rankings, but Bouzkova’s defensive skills should force plenty of extra balls and that might give Bouzkova the edge at Wimbledon.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 2
Nurein: Bouzkova doesn’t overpower opponents, but she’s a superb defender and moves just as cleanly as some of the fastest movers on tour. Gibson has enjoyed a breakout stretch, yet it is Bouzkova who is the player in form after her title win in Nottingham.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 2
Katie Swan vs Irina-Camelia Begu
Zain: Both of these players, currently ranked well outside the top 100, have a great opportunity to make the second round of a Major. Katie Swan will undoubtedly have the home crowd behind her at Wimbledon, but Irina-Camelia Begu is the more stable and well-rounded player from the baseline. Expect her to use that to her advantage and earn a confidence-inducing victory.
Prediction: Begu in 3
Ilemona: Swan knows how to use the home conditions to her advantage and has often played some of her best tennis on British grass. Even so, Begu’s experience and ability to mix pace should help her work through the difficult moments.
Prediction: Begu in 3
Nurein: Swan will get the home support and owns a game that’s comfortable on grass. The Briton has a solid serve and willingness to attack short balls. Remarkably, the only time she won a main draw match at Wimbledon was eight years against the same opponent she is scheduled to face on Tuesday.
Prediction: Swan in 2
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
