It’s time to wrap up the first round of 2019’s edition of Wimbledon. Day 1 had plenty of suspense and intrigue. What to expect on Day 2 of Wimbledon? There are good matches all day, and we’re here at LWOT to try to predict them for you. For Day 2, we will look at 16 matches. This article has four of them, and we also have three more sets of predictions in store. (One features Maria Sharapova vs Pauline Parmentier, the second headlines Amanda Anisimova vs Sorana Cirstea, and the third features Donna Vekic vs Alison Riske.) Predicting Day 2 matches for you are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), Jim Smith, and Tracey Essex.
Wimbledon Day 2 Women’s Predictions
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Garbine Muguruza
Jim:
2018 was a disappointing year for Muguruza in numerous respects, but her early loss at Wimbledon as defending champion looked to be a real low point for the Spaniard. But she can certainly play on the grass. When she is at her best, thanks to her clean, powerful hitting, she is a formidable foe. Even short of that peak she should have too much for Haddad Maia.
Prediction: Muguruza in 2
Tracey:
The 2017 titleholder, Garbine Muguruza, is a capable grass courter. While not having a stellar season, the Spaniard has more than enough to see of qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia. I don’t expect Muguruza to get past the quarterfinals, but in the early rounds she should fare well.
Prediction: Muguruza in 2
Yesh:
Don’t let last year fool you. Garbine Muguruza is still one of the best in the world on grass. And while she hasn’t quite been up to her highest level of play in 2019, she’s more than good enough to easily win this match.
Prediction: Muguruza in 2
Barbora Strycova vs Lesia Tsurenko
Jim:
Strycova may be coming towards the end of her career, but she showed at the Birmingham Classic, where she reached the semifinals (lost to Barty), that she is still a force to be reckoned with on the grass. Tsurenko has had good results herself at Wimbledon, but Strycova’s combination of power and deft touch should win the day for the Czech veteran.
Prediction: Strycova in 3
Tracey:
Tsurenko’s Wimbledon warm-up tournaments haven’t done much to help the Ukrainian achieve the necessary form. Strycova had a good result in Birmingham before World #1 Ashleigh Barty exited the her in the semifinals. Yet, the Czech claimed the Birmingham doubles title. It’s Strycova’s all-court game that may be just enough to move her into the second round.
Prediction: Strycova in 3
Yesh:
Strycova looks really solid right now, including an impressive performance in Birmingham. She always seems to do well there, though. She has been less impressive at Wimbledon, only reaching Manic Monday once (five years ago). This should be a tight battle, but I think Tsurenko takes it.
Prediction: Tsurenko in 3
Johanna Konta vs Ana Bogdan
Jim:
With expectations for the British men at Wimbledon low, the pressure on Konta to perform will be intense. Fortunately, the British #1 rediscovered her winning touch on the clay and should be coming into the Championships in good heart. Her big serve and powerful groundstrokes seem likely to overwhelm the Romanian Bogdan.
Prediction: Konta in 2
Tracey:
With the way Johanna Konta’s been playing, it’s hard to pick against her–on any surface or at any tournament. The in-form Brit sits in the top ten oddsmakers’ picks to win this tournament. While I doubt that will happen, Konta should have a good run in England.
Prediction: Konta in 2
Yesh:
Konta had a few years of struggling after breaking into the Top 10, but she looks back in top form now. The grass is usually kind to her, and expect it to be again this year. The home crowds don’t hurt, either.
Prediction: Konta in 2
Serena Williams vs Giulia Gatto-Monticone
Jim:
Williams; comeback has surely fallen short of her lofty expectations, despite some excellent results. The significant disruptions caused by injuries will also be a source of real frustration. But now pain free according to her coach, she looks poised to do damage. Gatto-Monticone certainly doesn’t look likely to be the one to stop the great American’s charge.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Tracey:
Serena’s injury plagued 2019 hasn’t given her much match time. But, Serena is one of the best grass players around. Against Giulia Gatto-Monticone, Williams will have enough to get through. It’s a great opening bid for the former Wimbledon champion.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Yesh:
The American legend will be disappointed that she has struggled with injury in 2019, and suffered a disappointing loss to Sofia Kenin at the French Open. She also can’t seem to win that 24th Major to catch Margaret Court. Still, none of that will stop her in her opening match at Wimbledon.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
