Wimbledon got off to a crazy start on Monday, featuring plenty of thrilling tennis and unpredictable upsets, Day 3 in the women’s draw at the All England Club promises to be a cracker. A number of big names and fast rising young stars are in action and here at Last Word on Tennis we are offering predictions for 16 of the best clashes.
That includes Elina Svitolina vs Margarita Gasparyan, former world #1 Caroline Wozniacki up against Veronika Kudermetova and the all-Romanian clash between Simona Halep and Mihaela Buzarnescu. Offering their tips for these four matches are Jim Smith, Tracey Essex and Steen Kirby.
Wimbledon Day 3 Predictions
Monica Puig vs Karolina Pliskova
Jim: Pliskova has never quite managed to play her best tennis at Wimbledon, where a run to the fourth round is her best effort to date. But she has unquestionably improved on the grass in recent years and her demolition of Angelique Kerber in the final at Eastbourne was a statement win. Puig has the quality to test the Czech, but expect the third seed to come through unscathed.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Steen: Pliskova has never lost to Puig and has won six matches in a row, I doubt this contest is close as Pliskova should be dominant.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Tracey: Monica Puig played fairly well to oust Anna Karolina Schmiedlova. But, it’s nowhere near the form needed to win against the #3 seed. I suspect Puig will have some good stretches, enough to cause concern for the Czech. But it won’t be enough to see the third round.
Prediction: Pliskova in 3
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Ajla Tomljanovic vs Victoria Azarenka
Jim: This one has all the makings of a thriller. Grass may not be Azarenka’s favourite surface, but her excellent returning should make her a force at Wimbledon this year. Tomljanovic, meanwhile, was mightily impressive in dispatching Daria Kasatkina 6-1 6-3 in the first round. On paper there looks to be little between them, but Tomljanovic seems to be due a big run at a Major and Wimbledon could just be where it all comes together for the Australian.
Prediction: Tomljanovic in 3
Steen: Vika isn’t the player she once was and Tomljanovic is capable on this surface. This match should be close but I’ll back the more experienced player.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
Tracey: Tomljanovic gained a heap of confidence taking out 29th seed Kasatkina. But, much of Kasatkina’s loss is attributable to a weak serve, laden with double faults. The Australian has the same problem with her serve – weak and inconsistent. And, Azarenka will jump all over that. The Belarusian is starting to put all the pieces together. Even her losses are “good” losses. I think Azarenka is Manic Monday bound.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
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Madison Brengle vs Karolina Muchova
Jim: Another match that looks likely to be a close contest. Both Brengle and Muchova played very well in their first-round matches. The American ousted French Open finalist Marketa Vondrousova whilst Muchova accounted for Aleksandra Krunic, with neither woman dropping a set. Brengle does have the advantage in terms of experience, but Muchova will back herself to hit through the world #85.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
Steen: Muchova is the better grass court player, this won’t be straightforward but she should be favoured given neither are in form.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
Tracey: Madison Brengle was able to knock out the 16th seed, Vondrousova. Quite an accomplishment for the unseeded American. Brengle is a smart player who can identify then capitalize on her opponent’s weakness. But, Muchova seems to be on an uptick, winning 20 of her last 28 matches. That alone makes the think the 22-year-old Czech can dispatch the American.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
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Sofia Kenin vs Dayana Yastremska
Jim: Even on a day of potentially great matches, this looks likely to be one of the best. Both Kenin and Yastremska look to have exceedingly bright futures in the game, futures they will want to realise as soon as possible. But of the two it is surely Kenin, who dismissed Astra Sharma in the first round, who has the greater grass-court pedigree after her recent triumph at the Mallorca Open. Yastremska, in contrast, is still finding her feet on the grass.
Prediction: Kenin in 3
Prediction: Kenin in 2
Tracey: There is no denying that Sofia Kenin is playing the best tennis of her career. Since besting Serena Williams in France, the young American has been playing with such confidence. I would consider Sofia Kenin a contender for the title, though an unlikely one. Dayana Yastremska is undoubtedly a talented teen, but she hasn’t yet reached her full potential.
Prediction: Kenin in 2
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