Well, we’re finally back on schedule at Day 6 of this year’s Wimbledon Championships, with only eight men’s matches on Saturday’s schedule. As always, we here at LWOT will share our thoughts on all of the matches with you. We split the eight matches between this and a second article–featuringCarlos Alcaraz vs Nicolas Jarry. Predicting these matches are Shane Black, Jordan Reynolds, and Andreas Pelekis. Who do you think will advance?
Wimbledon Day 6 Men’s Predictions
Alexander Zverev vs Matteo Berrettini
Shane:
Alexander Zverev and Matteo Berrettini square off in a battle of former top-six-ranked players who have suffered the injury bug over the past 12 months. Zverev leads the head-to-head 4-1, but this will be their first meeting on the grass (Berrettini’s best surface). The Italian is rounding his way into form and will have the offensive consistency to hit through Zverev.
Prediction: Berrettini in 4
Jordan:
This is an interesting one. There were question marks around how both these players would perform after the injury issues they’ve had. Berrettini in particular has surprised with his level. I think he will win again at the tournament he loves so much.
Prediction: Berrettini in 4
Andreas:
A great toss up match, with both competitors redeeming themselves after a difficult 2023. Berrettini has played slightly better tennis so far, and he had to take out the very tough Alex De Minaur to reach this stage. On the other hand, Zverev edged past his first two opponents, dropping a set against Watanuki and relying on his B-level. It could come down to whoever serves better, as both players can regularly fire 135mph+ serves. The Italian is more of a grass-court specialist, and the 2021 Wimbledon finalist hasn’t lost a match since his final defeat to the unbeatable Djokovic.
Prediction: Berrettini in 4
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Daniil Medvedev vs Marton Fucsovics
Shane:
Daniil Medvedev gets a tricky Round 3 match against Marton Fucsovics. The Hungarian is 7-1 on the grass this season. The Hungarian’s returning prowess will bother Medvedev, but I still see the Russian having the decisive advantage in any rally lasting more than five shots.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
Jordan:
Medvedev has also slipped somewhat under the radar, but was very good against Adrian Mannarino, who beat him a few weeks ago. Fucsovics is a Wimbledon quarterfinalist and has a tricky playing style. He will make it difficult for Medvedev but it won’t be enough.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
Andreas:
Medvedev definitely lost a lot of weight from his shoulders after easily dispatching Mannarino in three sets, a matchup that Mannarino triumphed in three weeks ago. That should open up the draw for Medvedev, as he is yet to make a quarterfinal appearance at Wimbledon. Fucsovics is the kind of player that subsides against Top 10 opposition; while he did stun Fritz earlier this grass court season, the American has frankly been in terrible form. The Russian should win this straightforwardly.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Laslo Djere
Shane:
No. 5 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas has played two five-set classics to make his way into Round 3. Laslo Djere has also worked hard to reach this position, taking down two hard-serving Americans. That said, the Greek’s confidence has to be at an all-time high. He will keep the momentum rolling.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 3
Jordan:
Djere is another clay court specialist who achieved an upset, getting a good win over Ben Shelton, whose game is suited to grass. Tsitsipas played the best match of the second round against Andy murray. Despite it traditionally being his worst surface, he has shown his serve and forehand combination is as lethal as any player on grass. He will make the fourth round.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 4
Andreas:
Tsitsipas’ win over Murray was a testament to his grit and determination on court. It was also a reminder that he’s a Top 10 player, and knows how to win in situations of adversity. While Tsitsipas’ form wasn’t that convincing, he’s now pushed through two five-setters, and should be able to breathe a little easier with media attention not invested into the “upset alerts” surrounding him. Djere lacks firepower in the big moments, and his two wins haven’t been against the strongest opposition; Cressy hadn’t been playing great, and Shelton was fairly new to the grass courts despite his weapons.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 3
Frances Tiafoe vs Grigor Dimitrov
Shane:
One of the few seeded Round 3 matches takes place between No. 10 Frances Tiafoe and No. 21 Grigor Dimitrov. The Bulgarian has been a solid grass-court player throughout his career and is 6-1 on the surface this year. Tiafoe has adapted well to the surface and developed a piercing serve that wins him many free points. I’ll take the American to come through in a tight five-setter.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 5
Jordan:
Dimitrov has looked good so far, but as seen against Zverev at Roland Garros, he just doesn’t seem to have belief that he can beat the higher ranked players. Tiafoe easily won his first two matches and I expect him to come through.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 3
Andreas:
Both players haven’t dropped a set, and the stats tell the story with how well both players are faring so far: Dimitrov won over 80% of first serve points in his first two matches, while Tiafoe has hit 86 winners across the six short sets he’s won. While both players could easily take advantage of each other’s flaws, Dimitrov’s backhand is definitely the catching weakness on the court. If Tiafoe can play to the Bulgarian’s backhand and chip into the net, it could prove decisive. The American also has the better later Grand Slam experience in the past year, evident in his thrilling US Open semifinal run.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 4
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
