Day 1 of Wimbledon is one of the most hectic days on the tennis calendar. Half of the first round–32 men’s matches and 32 women’s matches–will be completed on Monday. As always, we’re here at LWOT to share our thoughts on all of them for you. The women’s matches are split between eight sets of predictions. In addition to this article, we have articles featuring Petra Kvitova vs Sloane Stephens, Garbine Muguruza vs Fiona Ferro, Jessica Pegula vs Caroline Garcia, Iga Swiatek vs Su-Wei Hsieh, Karolina Pliskova vs Tamara Zidansek, Venus Williams vs Mihaela Buzarnescu, and Sofia Kenin vs Xinyu Wang. Predicting this set of matches are Fraser Learmonth, Tracey Essex, and Jakub Bobro.
Wimbledon Women’s Day 1 Predictions
Ons Jabeur vs Rebecca Peterson
Fraser:
This is likely going to he a one-sided affair on the first day of Wimbledon. Jabeur is in blistering form on the grass whereas Peterson is lacking any real form at all regardless of surface. Expect the Tunisian to advance easily in this one.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Tracey:
There should be little resistance from Peterson–an out of form player whose success on grass is negligible. Jabeur has been playing lights out tennis and should move through this opener quickly.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Jakub:
Jabeur is going to be looking to reach the third round for the first time at Wimbledon, and after winning the title in Birmingham, the Tunisian seems perfectly primed for the run. In her way will be Peterson, who has struggled since 2020 but leads the head-to-head 2-0. Despite that, Jabeur is still the favorite and should advance.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Svetlana Kuznetsova vs Lesley Pattinama Kerhove
Fraser:
Kuznetsova is the better player with better experience in big events. She hasn’t played at her best in quite some time but should still be favorite to move on here if both players play at their best.
Prediction: Kuznetsova in 3
Tracey:
Qualifier Kerhove will face way too much power and precision to really get a foothold in this match. While Kuznetsova isn’t in tip top form, there should be little to stop her from a straight sets win.
Prediction: Kuznetsova in 2
Jakub:
Kuznetsova has reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon four times, though suffered first-round exits in 2018 and 2019 to Barbora Strycova and Alison Van Uytvanck. The veteran Russian is currently 5-8 in 2021, but took Anett Kontaveit to three sets in her only match on grass so far. Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove is more of a tour regular in doubles, but managed to qualify with wins over Daniela Seguel, Maddison Inglis, and Jule Niemeier.
Prediction: Pattinama Kerkhove in 3
Aryna Sabalenka vs Monica Niculescu
Fraser:
Niculescu has looked in decent touch in recent weeks and did will to qualify for the grass court Major. However, she is facing one of the hottest players on the tour right now in Aryna Sabalenka. The Belarusian has been out of this world this year and is one of the favorites to win Wimbledon. That campaign will start with a win here.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Tracey:
Niculescu will look for the frustration fact to disrupt the Sabalenka game. With her crafty slice and unique play style, you can expect the Romanian to get some early traction. But, Sabalenka’s power should be too much for Niculescu. And, if the Belarusian can keep her unforced errors down, it will be an easy day at the office.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Jakub:
The conundrum of Aryna Sabalenka is fascinating. Despite being one of the best players on tour, she just cannot break through at the Slams. The Belarusian only made it through the first round at Wimbledon once, back in 2017 when she qualified and then beat Irina Khromacheva. Since then, she took losses to Mihaela Buzarnescu and Magdalena Rybarikova. Her next opponent, Monica Niculescu, is a similar type of player, though past her best at this point. No matter the result, this should be a very fun match to watch.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Madison Keys vs Katie Swan
Fraser:
Katie Swan is unlucky in her draw here. Madison Keys us one of the better players on the tour when at her best. She isn’t there at the moment but has shown signs of reaching that level in recent weeks. Keys should advance comfortably here if that trend continues.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Tracey:
Swan played well in qualifying rounds. A protracted battle with Caty McNally served to sharpen her skill on this surface. Yet it won’t be enough against the aggressive Madison Keys. I’m sure Swan will create some opportunities for herself. Yet, Keys will quickly close the door on the qualifier.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Jakub:
Once seen as a prodigy, Keys has been too inconsistent to be considered a favorite for Slams, but with how open the field is this year, 2021 might be her best chance. The 26-year-old pulled off a big upset in Berlin, beating Sabalenka in the second round but went out to Samsonova the next round, which does sort of sum up her career. Katie Swan has also struggled to live up the expectations as a former Junior World No. 2, though that can be mostly blamed on injuries. The 22-year-old qualified after defeating Lizette Cabrera, Caty McNally, and Arina Rodionova, but with their styles, the result of the match is mostly going to be dependent on Keys’ form on the day.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
