Day 3 of Wimbledon this year will see a lot more than the scheduled 16 women’s matches. Due to the rain the first few days, plenty of matches have been pushed off from Tuesday to Wednesday. We’ve already shared our thoughts on those matches with you, so today we present our predictions for the 16 Round 2 matches scheduled. We look at four matches in this article, and the other 12 are split between three other articles. One features Aryna Sabalenka vs Katie Boulter, the second headlines Elena Rybakina vs Claire Liu, and the third features Marria Sakkari vs Shelby Rogers. Predicting this set of matches are Jim Smith, Damian Kust, and Jakub Bobro.
Wimbledon Day 3 Women’s Predictions
Iga Swiatek vs Vera Zvonareva
Damian:
Swiatek is still trying to find her grass-court footing but the way she convincingly overcame a rough challenge against Hsieh was quite impressive. Zvonareva is a former runner-up and even so far along the way as she is now, the Russian will give Swiatek another stern test.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Jim:
Iga Swiatek was handed a tough draw up against the unorthodox Hsieh Su-wei, but she negotiated it in impressive style, beating the Taiwanese 6-4 6-4. She may be tested again up against Vera Zvonareva, who it should not be forgotten is a former-Wimbledon finalist, but expect the Pole to have the edge.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Jakub:
Though a Junior Wimbledon champion, Swiatek admits to not being a fan of grass. That didn’t stop her from defeating Hsieh Su-Wei in straight sets. The 20-year-old Pole now faces another experienced player, 36-year-old Vera Zvonareva. The Russian reached the final at Wimbledon in 2010, but has only played there four times since without similar success.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Viktorija Golubic vs Danielle Collins
Damian:
It’s been a great year for Golubic, but the Swiss is really struggling to close out matches. She almost lost from match point up again against Kudermetova, but finally won eleven games to nine. She was my dark horse pick for the event but after that marathon, Collins’s power might be too much for her.
Prediction: Collins in 3
Jim:
Viktorija Golubic has had an excellent season, albeit playing mostly below WTA-level, and she impressed in edging out Veronika Kudermetova 11-9 in the third. But she would have already been facing an uphill task against Danielle Collins. With that much mileage in her legs, it looks like a mountain to climb for the Swiss.
Prediction: Collins in 2
Jakub:
Last time at Wimbledon, Collins managed to reach the third round. She will be attempting that feat again after defeating Polona Hercog. In her way, Viktorija Golubic. The Swiss beat 29th seed Veronika Kudermetova for her 40th win of the year 11-9 in the third.
Prediction: Golubic in 3
Elise Mertens vs Lin Zhu
Damian:
Mertens came here after two opening round losses in warm-up events but her dismissal of Harriet Dart proved that it was a matter of good opposition rather than poor form. The Belgian’s consistency is among the best in the game and she rarely loses when she’s such a big favorite as here.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Jim:
Elise Mertens arrived at Wimbledon after a poor showing in Birmingham and Eastbourne, but she got back to winning ways against Harriet Dart in fine style. Zhu Lin played well to rally from a set down against Mona Barthel, but Mertens is a different calibre of player entirely.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Jakub:
Though the Belgian is more of a clay lover, she got her opener against Harriet Dart done quickly and in an impressive fashion. Mertens reached the second week at Wimbledon for the first time in her last appearance. She will be a heavy favorite against her next opponent, Zhu Lin. Zhu won her first ever match at Wimbledon to get to the second round here, defeating Mona Barthel in three sets.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Damian:
Venus Williams winning matches at the Slams is a great feel-good story now and hopefully, she’ll get to play on one of the show courts this time around. This match deserves it as Jabeur is an absolutely fantastic, crafty grass-courter. It won’t be too competitive, but the entertainment value should be there.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Jim:
Ons Jabeur was entirely untroubled in beating Rebecca Peterson. Venus Williams should offer more resistance, with the great American’s competitive fire clearly undimmed. But Jabeur is simply a better player at the moment. Expect the Tunisian to be the woman to advance.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Jakub:
The Birmingham champion started her Wimbledon campaign on the right foot, allowing Rebecca Peterson only three games. The Tunisian is proving to be a really good grass court player but faces the five-time champion next. Venus Williams showed some great fight to beat Mihaela Buzarnescu in three, but Jabeur should be beyond her powers at this point.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Main Photo:
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