With a number of big names set to take to the courts on day two at Wimbledon, there should be plenty of entertainment for the fans. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate including Matteo Berrettini vs Guido Pella, Roger Federer vs Adrian Mannarino, Fernando Verdasco vs Grigor Dimitrov, Hubert Hurkacz vs Lorenzo Musetti, Jan-Lennard Struff vs Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev vs Tallon Griekspoor and Kei Nishikori vs Alexei Popyrin. But who will reach the second round?
Wimbledon Day 2 Predictions
Nick Kyrgios vs Ugo Humbert
Jim: This is less than ideal draw for both men. Nick Kyrgios may not exactly be a model professional, but he can certainly play on the grass when he wants to. Ugo Humbert, meanwhile, bounced back from a disappointing start to the season in fine style by winning the title in Halle. If he can maintain the level he displayed in Germany, he should have the beating of Kyrgios – barring a Kyrgios special that is.
Prediction: Humbert in 4
Damian: You can never count Kyrgios out on the grass, but with Humbert’s sensational run of form and past Wimbledon success (he reached the fourth round in 2019), the Australian just might not have enough time to shake off the rust.
Prediction: Humbert in 4
Anurag: This match has all the ingredients of a thriller. The Halle champion is on a roll, and the reward he has got is a brutal draw. The Australian is perhaps the most mercurial player on the tour. He has been lying low since the Australian Open, but that should not stop the 26 year-old from displaying the skills he is known for. Nonetheless, Humbert, after breaking new ground this season starts as the favourite. Their last meeting went the distance; so might this.
Prediction: Humbert in 5
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Marcos Giron vs Emil Ruusuvuori
Jim: Marcos Giron had one of the best runs of his career at the French Open, reaching the third round. But he may struggle to back it up against Emil Ruusuvuori at Wimbledon. That being said, the Finn’s clay-court exploits were hardly anything to write home about and he hasn’t looked that comfortable on the grass either. Giron, in contrast, has been looking sharp.
Prediction: Giron in 4
Damian: This is a hard match to call. While Ruusuvori’s game should work really well on grass in theory, his inability to finish points at the net will hurt him. Giron’s run in Halle was really good too. The American might just be able to back it up.
Prediction: Giron in 5
Anurag: The Finn is a hard-courter with an awful grass-court record so far. The American has had a good season on grass though, with a win over the in-form Jan-Lennard Struff in Halle. Ruusuvuori will have to sweat out a stunner if he is to spoil the American’s party .
Prediction: Giron in 3
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Corentin Moutet vs Aljaz Bedene
Jim: Corentin Moutet has been playing some good tennis on the grass in recent years and looks to be a man with a bright future. Aljaz Bedene has been in indifferent form of late, with the Slovenian without a win so far on the grass this season. Unfortunately for the man who once represented Britain, that run looks set to continue.
Prediction: Moutet in 5
Damian: This feels like a toss-up. Bedene had some decent runs at Wimbledon but was definitely outperformed by his opponent in the lead-up to this year’s edition. Moutet’s slow-balling style is going to frustrate him, but I think his serve will see him prevail over the Frenchman.
Prediction: Bedene in 4
Anurag: Moutet has a very classy game and his skilful shots can wear his opponent down. The Frenchman got the better of Goffin in Halle and he has had a decent year with 11 tour-level wins. Bedene is not at his best on grass, so expect Moutet to wrap this up in style.
Prediction: Moutet in 3
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Marin Cilic vs Salvatore Caruso
Jim: Marin Cilic has landed in a tricky part of the draw, but the Croatian has the grass-court pedigree to negotiate it. His days of challenging for Major titles are surely now behind him, but he still has the tools to do some damage on this surface and should prove too strong for Salvatore Caruso, who lost in straight-sets on his only previous outing at Wimbledon.
Prediction: Cilic in 3
Damian: Cilic could be a contender for the title if not for a rough draw, but this is not where his issues will start. His one-two punches after the serve remain one of the best in the business and grass allows him to catch fire.
Prediction: Cilic in 3
Anurag: Cilic is perhaps one of the dark horses at this year’s Wimbledon. Certainly a man to watch given the form he is in and his record on the grass. The Croatian gave quite a scare to Federer at Roland Garros. I don’t see him losing before the third round.
Prediction: Cilic in 3
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