British hope Daniel Evans is aiming to upset Novak Djokovic in the first week of Wimbledon, American big server Reilly Opelka is also in action on the London grass courts as we have predictions for every day 4 match.
Novak Djokovic vs Daniel Evans
Damian: Evans defeated Djokovic in their only meeting in Monte Carlo four years ago, making him constantly have to generate pace off this backhand slice. This kind of playstyle can cause the 8-time champion some issues, but it might actually be a bit easier to find opportunities to end the points on grass. Could be a fun match, but the outcome feels set in stone. Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Ateet: Novak Djokovic had a slight hiccup in his first-round match, letting slip the second set, but other than that, he was solid, especially behind his serve. He did not face a single break point all match and will hope to continue serving like this for the rest of the tournament. Daniel Evans is a tricky opponent, but he doesn’t have the weapons to beat the Serbian player. Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Tope: Russian Marat Safin remains the last player to knock Novak Djokovic out of Wimbledon at this stage in 2008. Even though, the Serb’s performance has been steadily declining, it is highly unlikely that Daniel Evans will pose any threat to him advancing. Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Grigor Dimitrov vs Corentin Moutet
Damian: Dimitrov’s health status was unclear, but he answered some questions by dispatching Nishioka in straights. Moutet has been in great form and has the technical skills to compete, having already defeated the Bulgarian from 0-2 down at Wimbledon six years ago. He could win another longer match here with Dimitrov’s lack of match practice showing eventually. Prediction: Moutet in 4
Ateet: Grigor Dimitrov played one of his best matches of the season to defeat Yoshihito Nishioka in straight sets. It was a masterclass in attacking tennis from the Bulgarian as he hit 26 aces and lost just two points behind his first serve. Corentin Moutet will be a tougher opponent, but if Dimitrov stays healthy, he is the favourite to advance. Prediction: Dimitrov in 4
Tope: Grigor Dimitrov would usually be a clear favourite for this encounter but his fitness despite making short work of Yoshihito Nishioka in the opener. Moutet is one of the sports grinders and he comes here in a rich vein of form. The longer the match, the likelier the Frenchman wins.
Prediction: Moutet in 5
Reilly Opelka vs Brandon Nakashima
Damian: Nakashima had to finish off Bu on Wednesday, but that was only one set and shouldn’t impact his chances in this match at all. We’re likely in for a very serve-oriented matchup and I’m always a little doubtful in regards to Opelka on grass. He’s not too comfortable with the low bounce and if Nakashima can get the ball in play, he should win more rallies. Prediction: Nakashima in 5
Tope: Another first meeting on grass between these two who have traded their head-to-head. Nakashima gains confidence from his recent win against another powerful server, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, at Queen’s a few weeks back as he approaches this match. It might not be a straightforward win, but Nakashima should find a way to advance. Prediction: Nakashima in 5
Mariano Navone vs Pedro Martinez
Damian: Both players probably didn’t expect to be in the second round considering their lack of grass pedigree. Now it’s going to be a physical battle between them and it’s tough to say who comes out on top. Martinez has the powerful forehand, but was also struggling a bit more recently. Maybe Navone can take advantage of this opening. Prediction: Navone in 5
Ateet: Navone was the heavy underdog against Denis Shapovalov but upset the Canadian in four sets to get his first win at Wimbledon. The Argentine attacked Shapovalov’s second serve and extracted a lot of errors from his opponent. Pedro Martinez won’t make as many errors, so this should be a long and close match. Prediction: Navone in 5
Tope: Both players defied the odds to make it to the next round and without any remarkable pedigree on grass this is a great chance for either Martinez or Navone to advance to the third round of Wimbledon. Promises to be a slug-fest with the crafty dimunitive Argentine finding a way to edge it.
Prediction: Navone in 5
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
