It promises to be an entertaining second day at the All England Club with a number of star names set to take to the court in SW19. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Holger Rune vs Kwon Soon-woo, Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Taro Daniel, Alexander Zverev vs Roberto Carballes Baena, Hubert Hurkacz vs Radu Albot, Andy Murray vs Tomas Machac, Alex de Minaur vs James Duckworth, and Novak Djokovic vs Vit Kopriva. But who will advance at Wimbledon?
Wimbledon Day 2 Predictions
Andrey Rublev vs Francisco Comesana
Jim: It has been a difficult few weeks for Andrey Rublev, with the Russian cutting a visibly frustrated figure on court amidst a succession of early losses. That said, he has a good record at Wimbledon and his game is well-suited to the grass. Even not at his best, he should have enough to get past Francisco Comesana.
Prediction: Rublev in 4
Damian: Rublev isn’t someone I’m looking at too much going into Wimbledon as he’s just not that good on grass. But the opening round he should be able to clear relatively easily. Comesana hasn’t recovered his game/confidence after the calf issue yet and has no experience on the surface.
Prediction: Rublev in 3
Yesh: Andrey Rublev has had his struggles with both grass and big occasions, but if they’re to come at this event it won’t be in this round.
Prediction: Rublev in 3
Kei Nishikori vs Arthur Rinderknech
Jim: It is good to see Kei Nishikori back playing competitive tennis. But the Japanese, ravaged by injuries, has not been particularly competitive. He did claim an impressive five-set win over Gabriel Diallo at the French Open in five sets, but retired in his next match and has not played since. Arthur Rinderknech should have the edge here.
Prediction: Rinderknech in 3
Damian: Withdrawing from tournaments last-minute has become a Nishikori habit now, hopefully he’ll be able to compete here. At Roland Garros his form was in holiday mode, but he won one round purely on his natural talent. Not impossible for him to do it again and he’s only the underdog due to fitness concerns. Can’t quite call him the favourite.
Prediction: Rinderknech in 4
Yesh: What does Nishikori have left in the tank and how healthy is he? Rinderknech’s serve makes facing him on grass tough, but I have to believe the Japanese star is ready to compete at close to an elite level again.
Prediction: Nishikori in 4
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Cameron Norrie vs Facundo Diaz Acosta
Jim: Cameron Norrie hasn’t managed to really kick on since reaching the Wimbledon semifinals two seasons ago, and this season in particular has been a disappointment. But Facundo Diaz Acosta has no real grass-court record to speak of. Expect Norrie to advance comfortably enough.
Prediction: Norrie in 3
Damian: The grass swing didn’t help Norrie find form and even dropping to the Challenger level in Nottingham ended in a disaster. This is a really nice draw for him though, Diaz Acosta is coming back after an injury and has little grass game. It should be unlosable for Norrie if he doesn’t go out of his way to “top” his recent efforts.
Prediction: Norrie in 4
Yesh: Cam Norrie has been struggling since his Top 10 days, but he loves the grass and he loves playing at home. He shouldn’t have much trouble with Facundo Diaz Acosta.
Prediction: Norrie in 3
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Thiago Seyboth Wild vs Paul Jubb
Jim: This looks like a good opportunity for Paul Jubb to win a match at Wimbledon. Thiago Seyboth Wild’s forehand might do some damage, but the Brazilian is a lot more comfortable on the clay, whilst Jubb comes into the match in good form fresh from reaching the semifinals in Mallorca. With the crowd sure to be right behind him, don’t be surprised to see the Briton advance.
Prediction: Jubb in 4
Damian: Jubb made the Mallorca semifinals and while he likely won’t be going that far on the tour week in, week out, he’s got a bit of an opportunity here. He can deliver on the big stage like he did in that famous Kyrgios 5-setter here two years ago and the confidence gained should count for something.
Prediction: Jubb in 5
Yesh: Watch out for this one. Paul Jubb is coming, and on grass in England is where he’ll make his mark. Meanwhile, Thiago Seyboth Wild doesn’t love this surface and certainly has less experience on it. I’m smelling an upset.
Prediction: Jubb in 4
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
