Manic Monday at Wimbledon features big names like Roger Federer and Denis Shapovalov in action, our panelists have all of your predictions including for Novak Djokovic’s match as Wimbledon begins its’ second week and the money rounds of the tournament begin.
Roger Federer vs Lorenzo Sonego
Anurag Sahay: If the 6th seed is to repeat the 2019 run, a lot more rust needs to be shaken off. Relievingly though, Sonego should be an easy customer if Federer can at least keep his service game in. Serve will make the difference in this clash of the experienced and the Next generation. Federer in 4
Damian Kust: Federer’s performances have been uneven for now and this will be a very different match to what he’s used to already. Sonego has a lot more weapons than any of his previous opponents, he’s also very much in-form following a runner-up appearance at Eastbourne. The best version of Federer takes him out sure, but if his ground game is missing, there might be some issues. Luckily for the Swiss, Sonego does not defend half as well as Norrie for example, which won’t put this much pressure on his forehand. He’ll need to step up his return game though. Federer in 4
Harsh Bhoot: Roger Federer has fought throughout the first week here but what’s important is he’s still here. The Swiss now takes on heavy hitter Lorenzo Sonego who’s game style is well suited for grass as well. This should be an exciting clash and it’ll be interesting to see if Sonego can manage his nerves. If the Italian can he should take the match to five sets but Federer should close it out since his serve has been great so far. Federer in 5
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Alexander Zverev
Anurag: Tough call. Just when the Canadian looked set for a statement run, he couldn’t quite keep up with Kyrgios’ onslaught in the first set before the Australian maverick gave in to an injury. I pick the German for his steadfast attitude, higher seeding, and a 3-0 h2h lead. Tune in for a close fight between natural baseliners. Zverev in 4
Damian: Kyrgios retired after just two sets, but he enjoyed a lot of success putting returns back in play and waiting for Auger-Aliassime to leak errors. This is a strategy that Zverev is very familiar with and the German should find a lot points running behind the baseline and looking to extend the rallies. His bombing serve is a force on grass as well, which will force Auger-Aliassime to really go for his shots. I don’t think he can do it with enough consistency. Zverev in 4
Harsh: Alexander Zverev has played a solid tournament so far. The German is making the most of the faster conditions and he’s managed his first serve percentage well to mask his second serve struggles. Felix Auger-Aliassime has carried over his form from Halle and this match should serve as a good barometer of the Canadian’s game in the second week of a Grand Slam. Expect a tight battle throughout but it feels like Zverev possesses much more power and consistency off both wings and that should prove decisive. Zverev in 4
Roberto Bautista-Agut vs Denis Shapovalov
Anurag: This should be a tight match. While the Canadian showed in the third round win why he is the most promising of the younger lot, Bautista Agut has been inconsistent of late, especially in the run-up to Wimbledon . Even if the Spaniard ups the ante, expect Shapovalov to extend his groundbreaking run at Wimbledon – he has never been as far as this at Wimbledon. Shapovalov in 4
Damian: After struggling mightily in the first couple of rounds, Bautista Agut came up with a brilliant performance to straight-set Koepfer. The question is can it last and the validity of the very same question for Shapovalov’s uneven performances makes this a nightmare to predict. In bits of the Murray match, the Canadian’s rally tolerance was just spectacular. He will need it to be permanent against an opponent like the Spaniard and I just don’t think he can quite do it. Bautista Agut in 4
Harsh: Can Roberto Bautista Agut produce a repeat performance at Wimbledon like he did a couple of years ago? His section of the draw has opened up nicely for him to do so. Denis Shapovalov dominated Andy Murray in his third round but the Canadian has never faced the Spaniard before and it’s not a matchup Shapovalov should enjoy. Bautista Agut’s groundstrokes are extremely flat and well suited for grass and he’s adept at prolonging the rallies. Expect Shapovalov to be drawn into errors and that should give the win to the Spaniard. Bautista Agut in 5
Andrey Rublev vs Marton Fucsovics
Anurag: Fognini tested Rublev in their third round encounter, but the Russian came out unscathed. As much as this is only his first foray into the second week at Wimbledon, the hard-hitting 5th seed has been imperious this season. Rublev also has a solid edge over his opponent wining their last four meetings. Rublev in 3
Damian: Fucsovics famously didn’t want to play Rublev anymore this year, but they’re both playing so well that they’re bumping into each other for the fourth time. The Hungarian’s grass-court results weren’t great before this Wimbledon, but it turns out he’s got a wonderful slice and with Rublev also still trying to find his footing on the lawn, this might be the best chance he gets at the Russian. The power of the forehand is still there though and it might just prove too much again. Rublev in 5
Harsh: Marton Fucsovics will take on Andrey Rublev for the fifth time this year and while the Hungarian has lost all four meeting this year, this should be much closer. Rublev looks like he’s on top of his game at the moment and this match should be a winnable one for the Russian. Expect Fucsovics to nab a set but Rublev should get to a much deserved quarter final. Rublev in 4
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