We will see the conclusion of Round 4 on Day 8 at Wimbledon. Four matches will determine the last four men’s quarterfinalists, in a draw that is suddenly wide open. Who will keep their dreams of a Wimbledon title alive? Our writers share their thoughts on all of the matches. Predicting these matches are Harsh Bhoot, Yesh Ginsburg, and Ilemona Onekutu. Who do you think will win?
Wimbledon Day 8 Predictions
Alexander Zverev vs Jiri Lehecka
Harsh:
Zverev should start as the favorite here. Lehecka has had a solid tournament, but his game style suits Zverev as the German is likely to outmaneuver Lehecka from the baseline. Zverev also serves better and bigger and it is tough seeing how Lehecka can make inroads here.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Yesh:
Zverev is playing freely, unburdened after finally winning his first Major. He always crushes Lehecka in this matchup, and there is little reason to think things will go differently on grass.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Ilemona:
Zverev is chasing his first-ever Wimbledon quarterfinal, and the head-to-head record against Lehecka is about as one-sided as you’ll find. Lehecka has been solid in getting here, but he hasn’t shown the level needed to end that streak. Zverev’s serve and backhand remain two of the most reliable weapons in the men’s game, and his experience in the latter stages of major tournaments could help him navigate a difficult challenge.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Alex de Minaur vs Flavio Cobolli
Harsh:
Cobolli has not been at his best this week. He has struggled to dominate and that has meant he has had to stretch in each of his three matches. De Minaur has been flawless, on the other hand, and the Australian has played well on grass historically. De Minaur at the moment looks more confident in going for his shots and while Cobolli showed a lot of heart in his third round win, the Australian looks stronger.
Prediction: de Minaur in 4
Yesh:
I always underestimate Cobolli, probably because it’s hard to understand exactly why he wins so many matches. He doesn’t have any massive weapons, but just plays good all-court tennis. But his game isn’t made for grass, and de Minaur’s is.
Prediction: de Minaur in 3
Ilemona:
De Minaur has made the second week at Wimbledon for the third straight year, grinding opponents down with his legs and defensive consistency. Cobolli has heart, which he demonstrated by coming back from two sets down to beat Khachanov, but looked uncomfortable on grass early in that match, and clay is still his better surface. De Minaur’s running game is a bigger weapon here than Cobolli’s power.
Prediction: de Minaur in 4
Grigor Dimitrov vs Arthur Fery
Harsh:
The battle of the wild cards should be an entertaining one. Dimitrov looks like a man on a mission after a heartbreaking retirement last year. Fery has made the most of his wild card as well completing a sensational comeback in his third round. That being said, Fery lacks the variety to trouble Dimitrov who has used his slice and forehand to very good effect. If Dimitrov is able to recover well, there is no reason why he shouldn’t win this one easily.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
Yesh:
Dimitrov is playing so well this week. He seems to be playing freely and fully in rhythm. Barring any further freak injuries, he’ll go far in this event.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
Ilemona:
Fery has been genuinely remarkable, becoming the first British wild card to reach the fourth round since 1993, but he’s ranked 114th in the world and faces a different kind of test here. Dimitrov’s all-court toolkit–slice, volley, serve–is well-suited to grass, and he showed real class in coming through five sets against Berrettini. The crowd will be roaring for the home wild card, but Dimitrov should have enough to see him off.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 5
Taylor Fritz vs Alexander Bublik
Harsh:
This one is very tight to call. The head-to-head is even at 4-4, with Fritz winning the most recent encounter, in Stuttgart. Both players have held their own in pressure moments this week and very little separates the two. What has stood out is the serving of Bublik, who served 48 aces in his third-round match. Fritz, too, has served well and is definitely going to be the fresher of the two. Given Fritz’s recent win and his lack of long matches this week, the American should be just edging this classic.
Prediction: Fritz in 4
Yesh:
Fritz has a great game for grass. His serve-and-forehand combo is effective, and he gets into enough rallies from the baseline to trouble his opponents’ serves. Looking at the draw, it’s hard to see who will stop him from getting to the final right now.
Prediction: Fritz in 3
Ilemona:
Bublik fired 48 aces in a four-hour five-setter against Tiafoe and will be carrying some physical and emotional fatigue into this one. Fritz has been controlled and efficient across his matches, winning 80% of first-serve points against Sonego, and leads both previous grass meetings. Bublik has the creativity to trouble anyone on the surface, but Fritz’s greater consistency from the baseline and ability to stay focused across a long match could give him the edge.
Prediction: Fritz in 4
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
