The second round of Wimbledon is upon us, and it is already looking like we could be in store for another frenzied Grand Slam. Former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka looks healthy and ready to make a deep run. As always, we at LWOT offer our roundtable predictions for every match on the slate. But who will advance?
Wimbledon Day 3 Predictions
Anna Kalinskaya vs Diane Parry
Amanda
Diane Parry has the sort of playstyle that will frustrate Anna Kalinskaya, who thrives on consistent rhythm in rallies. Kalinskaya’s loss at the French Open came to Maja Chwalińska, who utilized her variety and extended rallies, and Parry can do the same to get the upset.
Prediction: Parry in 3
Jordan
Kalinskaya would be a significant favorite on a hard court. On clay and grass, Parry has a better chance. Grass allows her to use her serve and slice effectively. I think a small upset is on the cards here.
Prediction: Parry in 3
Belinda Bencic vs Xinyu Wang
Amanda
Belinda Bencic needed no time at all to settle into grass, with a dominant win in the first round. Xinyu Wang will pose a greater challenge, and while both are playing well, Bencic is simply the better player and more consistent in tight moments.
Prediction: Bencic in 3
Jordan
This is a tough second round for both women. Wang previously defeated Jessica Pegula at Wimbledon, while Bencic is a very good grass-court player. I trust the Swiss player slightly more to stay consistent.
Prediction: Bencic in 3
Alycia Parks vs Mananchaya Sawangkaew
Amanda
Mananchaya Sawangkaew was a match point away from losing in the first round and only won because of an injury to the other player. While Alycia Parks can be inconsistent, she played well in her first round and should be able to get a similar result here.
Prediction: Parks in 2
Jordan
Surprisingly, Parks hasn’t had more previous success on grass. The American’s huge-serving game suits the surface. I think that style will be enough to overcome Sawangkaew.
Prediction: Parks in 2
Naomi Osaka vs Anastasia Gasanova
Amanda
Despite a retirement in the final of Bad Homburg, Naomi Osaka looked healthy in her first-round match and won in straight sets. Anastasia Gasanova had an impressive, dominant first-round win. Still, Osaka seems to have found her stride on grass, and this will be a much higher-level opponent for Gasanova to face.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Jordan
Osaka has been showing flashes for a while of getting more comfortable on hard courts, but hasn’t put it all together for a title challenge. The Japanese star remains an outsider to reach the latter stages at Wimbledon. However, I do feel her power will be enough to see off Gasanova.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
