The Wimbledon third round wraps up on day six as the top half of the men’s draw looks to find their places in the second week. It has been business as usual for No. 1 seed Jannik Sinner, who squares off against Spaniard Pedro Martinez. Elsewhere, our other prediction article features Novak Djokovic vs Miomir Kecmanovic. But who will advance to Round 4?
Wimbledon Day 6 Men’s Predictions
Brandon Nakashima vs Lorenzo Sonego
Ateet
No. 29 seed Brandon Nakashima is into the third round for the second consecutive year and will hope to go at least one round further this time. Lorenzo Sonego outlasted Nikoloz Basilashvili in four sets and won the last time he faced Nakashima. Both players have been in good touch, and this should be a close contest. I am leaning towards the Italian.
Prediction: Sonego in 5
Tope
The oft-inconsistent Sonego is firing on all cylinders, and while Nakashima isn’t playing badly either, I like the Italian to continue his fine form and defeat the American for a second time.
Prediction: Sonego in 5
Shane
This should be a terrific battle. Both men are solid off both wings and can produce some phenomenal tennis when they avoid unforced errors. The difference for me? Nakashima’s serve. It should power him into the second week.
Prediction: Nakashima in 4
Marin Cilic vs Jaume Munar
Ateet
Marin Cilic displayed a vintage performance to shock the British No.1 Jack Draper in four sets. Cilic’s serve and forehand were massive for him, and his weight of shots kept Draper on the back foot for most of the match. Jaume Munar is having a great run, but he will also feel the power and precision of Cilic’s game.
Prediction: Cilic in 4
Tope
This match was supposed to be between Jack Draper and Alexxander Bublik, but we have two giant killers in the third round, and I’ll simply go with the more experienced Cilic, who played arguably the best tennis of his career in drowning Draper
Prediction: Cilic in 4
Shane
All credit to Cilic for turning back the clock to oust the British No. 4 seed in the second round. The former Wimbledon finalist has the level to compete with the world’s best, but can he keep up this form? Munar is sneakily solid on the grass, but I like Cilic in a tight four.
Prediction: Cilic in 4
Alex de Minaur vs August Holmgren
Ateet
No. 11 seed Alex de Minaur cruised past Arthur Cazaux after losing the first set, while August Holmgren pulled off a five-set upset over Tomas Machac. Holmgren hit 35 aces in that match and can make it close against the Australian if he keeps his serving level. De Minaur’s speed and experience make him the favourite, but he will have to be on top of his game and extremely focused to win.
Prediction: de Minaur in 5
Tope
August may be riding a wave of momentum and good fortune, and while I like to nick a set, defeating the irrepressible de Minaur is simply too tall an order, or maybe we will just see yet another massive upset.
Prediction: de Minaur in 4
Shane
The qualifier has been incredibly impressive in London. His serve has been superb, something that can carry a player on the grass. However, the Aussie is a terrific returner and should put enough pressure on the Holmgren serve to force timely breaks.
Prediction: de Minaur in 3
Jannik Sinner vs Pedro Martinez
Ateet
Jannik Sinner is cruising through his draw and doesn’t look in any mood to give freebies. Pedro Martinez got a great straight-sets win over Mariano Navone, and his grit suggests he will fight. However, Sinner does everything better in this matchup and should advance easily.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Tope
Pedro Martinez will be pleased he made it this far on a surface he isn’t really accustomed to. While he has dropped just a single set in seven, he stands no chance against the world number 1.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Shane
Sinner does not lose in the first week of Slams. He has reached the second week in 14 of the last 15, and I do not see that changing here. A terrific run for Martinez, but this will be one-way traffic.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Main Photo Credit: Peter van den Berg – USA TODAY Sports
