Day 2 of Wimbledon is one of the two busiest days in tennis. 64 women will compete in 32 matches to move on to the second round. We here at LWOT will be predicting all of them for you, split between eight articles. In addition to this article, the other seven feature Barbora Krejcikova vs Clara Tauson, Serena Williams vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich, Ashleigh Barty vs Carla Suarez Navarro, Angelique Kerber vs Nina Stojanovic, Coco Gauff vs Francesca Jones, Jelena Ostapenko vs Leylah Annie Fernandez, and Bianca Andreescu vs Alize Cornet. Predicting these matches today are Tracey Essex, Damian Kust, and Jim Smith.
Wimbledon Day 2 Women’s Predictions
Ana Konjuh vs Sara Sorribes Tormo
Jim:
This should be an entertaining match. Sara Sorribes Tormo will doubtless have been disappointed by her first-round exit at the French Open, but she bounced back in impressive style to reach the semifinals in Bad Homburg. But Ana Konjuh has been in good form too, with the Croatian impressing in her run through the qualifying. But it is Sorribes Tormo who has performed at a higher level more consistently. Expect the Spaniard to have the edge.
Prediction: Sorribes Tormo in 3
Tracey:
Konjuh didn’t disappoint in qualifiers. Sure, she was pushed to a decider in two of her three matches–each time finishing strong. She’s gained some familiarity on the surface. That is a benefit for the Croat, considering her brief stint in Berlin. Sorribes Tormo reached the semis at Bod Homburg and should like her chances in this opening round. While Sorribes Tormo should squeak by, I can’t see it being an easy outing.
Prediction: Sorribes Tormo in 3
Damian:
Wimbledon was where Konjuh first made headlines and she’s done really well to qualify, defeating Tsvetana Pironkova in the final round. She’s getting back to her best and on grass. Her power will be very tough for Sorribes Tormo to nullify.
Prediction: Konjuh in 2
Anna Blinkova vs Timea Babos
Jim:
Anna Blinkova has not quite lived up to the expectations created by her excellent junior career, although time is still on her side, and she has been handed what looks like a tough opening assignment here. Timea Babos may now be primarily a doubles’ player, but she can still do some damage in this discipline, particularly on faster courts.
Prediction: Babos in 3
Tracey:
Perhaps the easiest round Blinkova and Babos will see in this tournament. Neither Blinkova nor Babos have exceptional grass court records. Babos will likely use her doubles skills to move to the net and end points. Blinkova will rely on her baseline position, taking balls early. Her stronger backhand wing can create problems for Babos. It’s two different styles and I expect Blinkova to play better in the bigger moments.
Prediction: Blinkova in 3
Damian:
Possibly one of the worst matches of the round as Babos hasn’t been at her best in a while and Blinkova took just two games off Kerber in Bad Homburg. I’ll trust the Russian as Babos hasn’t really played her best at Wimbledon yet.
Prediction: Blinkova in 3
Greet Minnen vs Ajla Tomljanovic
Jim:
After a difficult start to her qualifying campaign, Greet Minnen found her feet to score straightforward wins over Mayo Hibi and Varvara Lepchenko. But she may find things harder against Ajla Tomljanovic. The Australian has not been in sparkling form, but she has been playing solid tennis and may have just too much for Minnen.
Prediction: Tomljanovic in 3
Tracey:
It’s hard to know which Ajla Tomljanovic will show up. The Aussie had a strong start in Birmingham, knocking out the top seed Elise Mertens in three tights sets–only to fall to the resurgent Coco Vandeweghe in the next round. In Eastbourne, Tomljanovic fell in the qualifiers. It’s a big question mark how well Tomljanovic will perform on her weakest surface. Minnen reached the main draw through an impressive showing in qualifiers. You can be certain she will make the most of her maiden appearance in the singles main draw. I think we’re looking at an inspired Minnen, ready to battle through this opener.
Prediction: Minnen in 3
Damian:
Minnen is firmly going for the qualifier Slam, although she might not have to qualify for the US Open if she continues like this. This is a tough draw against a very powerful opponent, but maybe she can just edge it if she brings her form from Roehampton.
Prediction: Minnen in 3
Victoria Azarenka vs Kateryna Kozlova
Jim:
Victoria Azarenka has played well of late, without really finding her best tennis. It is a pattern that emerged over the course of the clay-court season and one that has continued so far on the grass. But the Belarusian probably won’t need to play her best to get the better of Kateryna Kozlova.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Tracey:
The disparity between Azarenka’s level and Kozlova’s level is huge. It may have taken some time for Azarenka to fully regain her form. But the World #14 will keep climbing. This match will give the Belarusian a strong start to her Wimbledon campaign.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Damian:
She’s already given out four walkovers this season, but once she actually steps out on the court, Azarenka has been quite sublime. If she brings her form from Berlin and Bad Homburg, this should be easy.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
