With 32 first-round matches on the slate, there should be no shortage of entertaining tennis on day two at Wimbledon. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match, including Matteo Berrettini vs Guido Pella, Roger Federer vs Adrian Mannarino, Nick Kyrgios vs Ugo Humbert, 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
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Thiago Monteiro
Jim: Felix Auger-Aliassime’s dreadful record in ATP finals continued two weeks ago in Stuttgart, but that should not distract from his generally impressive form since losing in the first round at the French Open. Up against the clay-courter Thiago Monteiro, this should be a relatively comfortable day at the office for the young Canadian.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3
Damian: This was a really competitive matchup at last year’s US Open, but it probably won’t at all here. Auger-Aliassime keeps growing as a player and the grass-court surface will eliminate almost all of Monteiro’s assets in this matchup.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3
Yesh: Auger-Aliassime can’t win finals, but he’s still a top player the rest of tournaments. Monteiro won’t have anything on grass to challenge the Canadian, but Auger-Aliassime can throw away a set if he tries.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 4
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Botic van de Zandschulp vs Gregoire Barrere
Jim: It will be interesting to see whether or not Botic van de Zandschulp can take advantage of his good fortune after being handed a reprieve as a lucky loser. He has certainly shown an aptitude for the big stage after rallying from two sets down to beat Hubert Hurkacz in the first round at Roland Garros. But Gregoire Barrere impressed enough in coming through the qualifying to suggest that he will be the man to reach the second round at Wimbledon.
Prediction: Barrere in 4
Damian: Van de Zandschulp is still learning to play on grass but his potential ceiling on this surface seems higher to me than Barrere’s. At this point in time, the Frenchman might still be more solid and just a tiny bit ahead.
Prediction: Barrere in 5
Yesh: I really like the young Dutchman. He’s constantly improving and showing new abilities. His name might be a bit hard to spell, but he’s going to be sticking around this tournament a bit longer.
Prediction: van de Zandschulp in 4
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Tennys Sandgren vs Norbert Gombos
Jim: Tennys Sandgren has had some unfortunate draws at the Majors over the course of his career, but he has been handed a relatively kind one here. Norbert Gombos is a solid player, but he is more comfortable on the grass than the clay and may well prove to be slightly out of his depth up against Sandgren.
Prediction: Sandgren in 3
Damian: Sandgren just can’t catch a break this season but this favourable draw could help him out of the slump. Gombos’ grass-court game isn’t the strongest and the American has the tendency to overperform at the Majors.
Prediction: Sandgren in 4
Yesh: Sandgren (twice an Australian Open quarterfinalist) brings his best at the Majors. Gombos, meanwhile, doesn’t like the grass very much. The American should find a way through to the second round at Wimbledon.
Prediction: Sandgren in 4
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Fernando Verdasco vs Grigor Dimitrov
Jim: Grigor Dimitrov has had terrible luck with injuries this season at the Grand Slams. His body has twice broken down when he was in a commanding position, costing him a return to the semifinals at the Australian Open at the start of this season, and he has been out of action since retiring in the first round at the French Open. But if he is fit again, he should still have the beating of Fernando Verdasco, who appears to be quickly approaching the end of his career.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 4
Damian: They’ve had some nice matches in the past but if Dimitrov recovered from the back injury that ended his French Open, he should be able to remind Verdasco why the 37-year-old hasn’t been a contender for quite a while now.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 4
Yesh: Dimitrov has injury and consistency issues, but he’s still one of the better players in the world – especially on this surface. There’s a chance he can lose any match, but it will be on his racket.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
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