Ben Shelton is looking to find form at Wimbledon, while Australia’s Alex de Minaur is a tricky opponent on grass courts. As always, we have predictions for every Day 4 match at Wimbledon, including matchups featuring Novak Djokovic and Lorenzo Sonego.
Ben Shelton vs Rinky Hijikata
Damian: Shelton loves the Slams and always performs at the big events. He crushed Hijikata in Mallorca last year and will try to produce a similar performance. While the Aussie knows a thing or two about disrupting rhythm, the disparity in weaponry is so huge that Shelton seems like he could feel pretty confident about his chances here. Prediction: Shelton in 4
Ateet: Ben Shelton has been losing a lot of tiebreaks recently, but won two crucial ones against Alex Bolt to win the match in straight sets. He easily defeated Rinky Hijikata on grass last year, and I expect him not to lose more than a set if he stays focused.
Prediction: Shelton in 4
Tope: Despite struggling in the lead-up to the tournament, Ben Shelton managed to advance to the second round of Wimbledon with straight sets win over Alex Bolt winning 82% of his first serve points and will enter the encounter with Rinky Hijikata exuding confidence having beaten him twice before including on grass. Give me the American to advance comfortably.
Prediction: Shelton in 3
Alex de Minaur vs Arthur Cazaux
Damian: Cazaux has already produced a great run considering his recent injury struggles. Beating de Minaur would require something special, likely with unreal serving and excellence in the forecourt. At this stage of his season, it might be a bit too much to expect Cazaux to execute that plan perfectly in the best-of-five format. Prediction: de Minaur in 4
Ateet: Alex de Minaur has not had an ideal preparation coming into Wimbledon, but he got a solid first-round win against Roberto Carballes Baena. Arthur Cazaux will be a tougher opponent for the Australian, but de Minaur’s consistency and pace redirecting skills give him the clear edge. Cazaux is also coming off a draining five-setter and might not be mentally ready for this big match.
Prediction: de Minaur in 4
Tope: Arthur has defeated two #20 players in his career, so his quality and capabilities to make this encounter against Alex De Minaur a challenging one, but over five sets, the relentless and disciplined Aussie has the edge.
Prediction: Alex De Minaur in 4
Flavio Cobolli vs Jack Pinnington Jones
Damian: Pinnington Jones posted a very comfortable win over Etcheverry in his Grand Slam main draw debut and now faces Cobolli. It’s a slightly similar situation, just to a different extent. Cobolli can’t be feeling as comfortable on the grass as the Brit does, but he’s a more experienced and more multi-dimensional player. Prediction: Cobolli in 4
Ateet: Cobolli played an almost flawless first round match against Beibit Zhukayev, hitting double the winners compared to unforced errors and didn’t get broken the entire match. World No. 281, Jack Pinnington Jones, won his first tour-level match as he defeated Tomas Martin Etcheverry in straight sets. Jones played like an experienced player, raising his level at important times. He will fancy his chances against Cobolli if he sustains this level.
Prediction: Cobolli in 4
Tope: Undoubtedly, the young Brit is capable of nicking a set or two in this one but over the marathon, Cobolli’s grit and experience will pull him through as the Italian continues his remarkable season.
Prediction: Cobolli in 4
Lorenzo Sonego vs Nikoloz Basilashvili
Damian: Basilashvili won his first Grand Slam main draw match since Wimbledon 2022 as he completely bossed an out-of-shape Musetti off the ground. His resurgence this season has been surprising, but you can’t deny he’s delivering the quality. Maybe he can also force Sonego’s hand as the Italian tends to be very up and down. Prediction: Basilashvili in 5
Ateet: Lorenzo Sonego easily dispatched Jaime Faria and will play in the Wimbledon second round for the fourth time in his career. Nikoloz Basilashvili once again showed how dangerous he can be when wins under his belt. Lorenzo Musetti was not at his best, but full credit to the Georgian for taking away time and displaying some great attacking tennis. Sonego has a much better serve, and it won’t be easy for Basilashvili to break him. I can see a tight match with Sonego’s consistency edging it out at the end.
Prediction: Sonego in 5
Tope: Lorenzo Sonego looked imperious in his opener as he crushed Jaime Faria in straight sets without dropping his serve or recording any double fault. He will need to replicate that performance against Basilashvili who stunned his compatriot Lorenzo Musetti in the first round.
Their first match on grass will be a tricky one as this will be a true test of their abilities. On the balance of play in their opening matches, I’ll take a stab on the Georgian.
Prediction: Basilashvili in 5
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
