We are approaching the business end of the second week at Wimbledon, and the biggest names in tennis are still alive in the men’s draw. Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic gets his biggest test of the tournament against No. 3 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, as No. 1 Jannik Sinner gets a terrific draw against veteran German Jan-Lennard Struff. As always, we at LWOT offer our roundtable predictions on both matches. But who will advance?
Wimbledon Quarterfinal Predictions
Jannik Sinner vs Jan-Lennard Struff
Zain
After a troubled start to the tournament, Jannik Sinner has gradually increased his level match by match, as he once again looks like the world No. 1. In this match against Jan-Lennard Struff, it will all come down to how well the Italian can return the German’s serve, as Struff’s game is built around it. And while that might guarantee Struff a couple of easy service holds, Sinner’s game is just too well-rounded not to cause massive problems for the German, especially as he is likely to be fatigued after playing three five-set matches in his first four matches of the tournament.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Ateet
Jan-Lennard Struff created history by beating Hubert Hurkacz from two sets down in the fourth round. At 36 years old, he becomes the oldest player in the Open Era to reach his maiden Major quarterfinal. It must be a great feeling for him, but I don’t think he has much of a chance against Jannik Sinner, who hasn’t looked at his best yet but is edging closer to that level. Struff’s best chance would be to sneak a set in the tiebreak.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Andreas
At 36, Struff is on an incredible run at the All England Club, though three of his matches at Wimbledon went the distance. Sinner has looked efficient, and he’s never lost to the German. The temperature will climb on Tuesday, however, which heavily impacted Sinner during his French Open loss earlier in the season.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Shane
Since his Roland Garros defeat over five weeks ago, all eyes for Sinner have been on the business end of Wimbledon. He has looked more than solid through four matches, and gets a terrific draw against veteran Jan-Lennard Struff. The German has always been a threat on the grass, and plays an aggressive style that can allow him to catch lightning in a bottle. But there is no way he can match the consistency of the machine that will be across the net.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Novak Djokovic vs Felix Auger-Aliassime
Zain
After a surprising loss at the French Open, Novak Djokovic is back to his usual deep run at a Major here at Wimbledon, with Felix Auger-Aliassime standing between him and a place in the semifinal. The Canadian has played some of his better tennis recently, using his big serve and forehand firepower. Still, against Djokovic, he will need to have his best day returning and with his backhand of the tournament. And while Djokovic, at this age, has been prone to dropping sets more often than before, it is highly unlikely, given the advantages he has in this matchup on both return and the backhand wing, that he drops three sets here.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Ateet
Novak Djokovic is into his 9th consecutive quarterfinal at Wimbledon as he defeated the in-form Roman Safiullin in four sets. Djokovic did not look comfortable out there and was struggling to find the feel, but somehow won the important first set, which is always huge. He knows he will have to step it up from here on to have a chance of winning this tournament. Felix Auger-Aliassime spent more time on court than he should have in the fourth round, but I expect him to bring his best level against the seven-time champion. However, Djokovic knows he has to be fresh for a potential semifinal matchup against Jannik Sinner and should be dialed in here.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Andreas
Auger Aliassime fought brilliantly in a fourth-round win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, and he’s now in his second Wimbledon quarterfinal. These two haven’t played enough, with Djokovic winning their first meeting in Rome in 2022, with Auger Aliassime upsetting the Serb a year later at the Laver Cup. Auger Aliassime’s serve is deadly on grass, though he hasn’t faced such a strong returner this tournament. Djokovic faced some demons at times during his last two matches, but the confidence tends to strengthen as these Grand Slams go on. His slower movement won’t be exposed as much on the grass courts, and I think he’ll grind his way into the semifinal.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Shane
Is this Djokovic’s last real chance at Grand Slam No. 25? It feels like we have said that at every hardcourt or grass slam since he captured No. 24. The seven-time Wimbledon champ is playing well and enjoying himself on-court, but this is his first major test of the tournament. Yes, Auger-Aliassime is the No. 3 seed, but do we trust him in a spot like this? I have to ride with the experience.
Prediction: Djokovic in 5
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – Imagn Images
