The fourth-round lineup at Wimbledon features a fascinating mix of title favorites, resurgent veterans, and surprise contenders. With quarterfinal spots on the line, our writers predict how Sunday’s marquee men’s matches will unfold.
Wimbledon Day 7 Men’s Predictions
Jannik Sinner vs Shintaro Mochizuki
Zain:
Shintaro Mochizuki had a clinical performance against Spanish youngster Rafael Jodar in the previous round, and his reward now is a meeting with Jannik Sinner. After surviving a huge scare in the first round, Sinner has looked clinical, raising his level on serve while also being highly effective from the baseline. While Mochizuki’s attacking variety can cause the Italian some issues, it is likely to be only a temporary challenge.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Ateet:
Jannik Sinner played his best match of the campaign against Jenson Brooksby and looks to be getting closer to his best level at the perfect time. His serving looks great, and he must be delighted to face Shintaro Mochizuki and not Rafael Jodar in the fourth round. Mochizuki has a clever game with a lot of variety, but he doesn’t have the firepower to trouble the World No.1.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Myles:
Mochizuki has done incredibly well to make it to the fourth round from qualifying. His previous match, where he beat the talented young Spaniard Rafael Jodar, showed that he can bring his A game against top tier opponents. But Sinner is a class above. While the tournament favourite has shown some rust in his first few matches, this might be the moment where Mochizuki’s excellent run comes to a hasty end.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Hubert Hurkacz vs Jan-Lennard Struff
Zain:
This matchup will likely be decided by which player serves better, as both Hubert Hurkacz and Jan-Lennard Struff depend heavily on their serves. But how they play outside of that is very different, as Struff tends to dominate with his big forehand, while Hurkacz looks to counterpunch and relies on his dependable backhand. If both players serve well and the match ultimately comes down to baseline play, I expect Hurkacz to come out on top, as he is the more reliable baseliner with the higher ceiling on this surface.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 4
Ateet:
Hubert Hurkacz came back from a set down to get a huge win against Tommy Paul in the third round. Hurkacz managed to steal the second-set tiebreak, and from there on, he looked unstoppable. He now has a wonderful opportunity to make another Grand Slam quarterfinal. Jan-Lennard Struff stunned Daniil Medvedev in straight sets, but Medvedev had leads in all the sets and squandered them. I am giving Hurkacz the edge here.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 4
Myles:
In his last match Hurkacz notched up a big win against 21st seed Tommy Paul, who came in off an excellent run to the final at Queen’s. He’s had a dire year after coming back from surgery in 2025, but with a talent for the grass this might be the run he needs to discover his tennis again. Struff’s also liked the grass in recent years, reaching the 3rd round at Wimbledon for the third consecutive year. In their only previous match on grass, Struff came up trumps. But with some impressive wins so far, Hurkacz looks likely to take it this time.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 4
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Zain:
Coming off his first ATP Tour title and carrying that momentum into this tournament, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina has continued his fine form at Wimbledon. This match against Felix Auger-Aliassime will likely be determined by how well the Spaniard can return serve, as strictly from the baseline he should have the overall edge, especially on the backhand side. And while Davidovich Fokina has shown that he can stay in these matches longer than expected, Auger-Aliassime’s superior serve and greater firepower may give him the slight overall edge on this surface.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 5
Ateet:
#3 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime played a great match to defeat Michael Zheng in straight sets. His level after the first set was fantastic, and he barely lost points behind his first serve. The roof being closed after the first set helped his game, and that would be a big factor against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, as the forecast looks good for an outdoor match. The Spaniard is on a hot streak and has the potential to make this extremely close. However, he has played a lot of tennis in the last 10 days, and Auger-Aliassime has a better serve.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 5
Myles:
Both players have recorded impressive straight set wins so far, and both come in with confidence. Grass is neither one’s best surface, but both have the athleticism to grind out an ugly win. Their last grand slam encounter was taken by Davidovich Fokina in a fifth set, and it wouldn’t be surprising if this likewise goes the distance. Auger Aliassime is often able to withstand pressure where Davidovich Fokina — despite finally winning his first tour title last week — can buckle. The Canadian might just squeak out the win this time.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 5
Novak Djokovic vs Roman Safiullin
Zain:
When the draw was made, not many had predicted this matchup, but Roman Safiullin earned it with impressive wins over Andrey Rublev and Joao Fonseca. In recent years, Novak Djokovic’s return of serve has gradually declined, something that could play into Safiullin’s hands as the Russian is a big server. But apart from that, almost every other area of the matchup favors Djokovic. Expect the Serbian to control this match and create enough return opportunities for the pressure to eventually pay off.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Ateet:
Roman Safiullin played the best match of his career to defeat Joao Fonseca in straight sets. Safiullin did not let Fonseca get any opportunity to get back in the match. However, he has spent a lot of time on court through qualifying, and more than the physical fatigue, it could be the mental fatigue building up. Novak Djokovic is playing solid tennis and will put a lot more pressure on Safiullin’s return games than Fonseca.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Myles:
Djokovic, in his last round match against Arthur Rinderknech, almost lost a set 6-0 for the first time in his grand slam career. It’s an experience he won’t want to repeat. Surely he’ll now be more focussed than ever on staying locked-in as he takes on a tricky opponent in Safiullin, who’s come in through qualifying with the wind in his sails — and previously made the quarters here in 2023. If Djokovic can come out and dominate from the off, he’s more than able to take the game away from the resurgent Russian.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
