Several intriguing first-round contests round out the opening day at Wimbledon, with established contenders facing dangerous opponents and rising talents looking to make their mark on the grass. Our writers break down four more women’s matches and make their predictions.
Wimbledon Day 1 Women’s Predictions
Jessica Pegula vs Darja Vidmanova
Amanda:
The last two years, Jessica Pegula has followed a pattern of having great grass warmups but losing early in Wimbledon. Coming off a run to the Berlin final, Pegula is in some danger as Darja Vidmanova is on the rise and could pose a challenge. Pegula should still be able to win this match, but her past Wimbledon upsets and Vidmanova’s increasingly high level cast some early doubt.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Nurein:
Vidmanova just broke into the Top 100 and won her first title of the season a week ago. But drawing a top 10 seed on her Wimbledon main draw debut it a nearly impossible mission.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Leylah Fernandez vs Janice Tjen
Amanda:
Neither Leylah Fernandez nor Janice Tjen had a particularly notable grass season, and this will be Tjen’s first appearance in the main draw of Wimbledon. However, Tjen has defeated Fernandez twice this year, with both wins coming in straight sets, and Fernandez’s Wimbledon record isn’t strong enough for experience to play a factor.
Prediction: Tjen in 2
Nurein:
Fernandez didn’t have some great results coming to Wimbledon and Janice Tjen has shown she belongs at this level. The Canadian has underperformed at this slam and her poor record could continue against a woman she has never beaten.
Prediction: Tjen in 3
Lilli Tagger vs Lanlana Tararudee
Amanda:
Lanlana Tararudee was dominant in her defeat of Lilli Tagger in qualifying at the Australian Open, and with both players making their very first appearance at Wimbledon, Tagger’s best hope is finding her footing on the surface. In terms of the matchup, Tararudee has the advantage.
Prediction: Tararudee in 2
Nurein:
Tagger is almost certainly a future star, but it has been difficult transition from the junior level . That said, being ranked in the Top 100 at age 18 is a massive achievement. Tagger has adapted well to faster courts and I think she possesses the heavier ground game in this matchup.
Prediction: Tagger in 2
Daria Kasatkina vs Mingge Xu
Amanda:
It hasn’t been an up to par grass season for Daria Kasatkina, but she’s still the heavy favorite in her first-round match against Mingge Xu. Xu, a wildcard, is currently ranked outside the top 300, and Kasatkina should get the win here despite her struggles in form this season.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Nurein:
This should be the match for Kasatkina to finally end her winless spell. The Australian may not have the prototypical grass-court game, but she’s still one of the craftiest players on tour.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
