Wimbledon 2018 enters day 5 as the second week will begin to be set. Our panelists offer their previews and predictions.
Adrian Mannarino vs Daniil Medvedev
Lukas Weese: 22nd seed Adrian Mannarino of France is taking on Daniil Medvedev in the third round of Wimbledon. The two players have faced off twice before with Mannarino taking both matches. Mannarino has been playing the best tennis of his career, coming off a straight sets victory over Ryan Harrison where the Frenchman converted 74% of his first serve points. His serve will be the critical factor that allows Mannarino to get over the edge into the Round of 16 over Medvedev. It will be close but I like Mannarino to advance. Mannarino in 4
Steen Kirby: Both players are red hot and this could go either way honestly. Mannarino surprised everyone to back up his Antalya grass court final with a third round showing. Medvedev suddenly found form to upset Borna Coric and make it this far. The Russian has a bigger game so I’ll back him to reach week 2. Medvedev in 5
Sam Querrey vs Gael Monfils
Lukas: This promises to be an exciting match between two headline players. Querrey has become a threat on the grass courts, especially after his semifinal appearance last year at Wimbledon. Monfils always has had the art for entertainment on the court. This will be the third time the two players have met, with Monfils winning both previous times. Querrey’s serve is his weapon, which is an asset on the grass. So far this tournament, he has dropped nine first serve points and hasn’t been broken once. While Monfils can move really well and defend the court with ease, I think Querrey is playing the best tennis of his career and will advance in a thriller. Querrey in 5
Steen: This one should be good. Monfils will pressure Querrey in a big way and go for the win. That said, Monfils dropped a set to Paolo Lorenzi in the last round, and that’s poor preparation for facing an in-form grass court player like Querrey. Querrey has yet to drop a set and this is looking to be another fantastic Wimbledon for the American. Querrey in 3
Milos Raonic vs Dennis Novak
Lukas: 13th seed Canadian Milos Raonic will look to serve up a storm in the third round as he faces off against unseeded Dennis Novak. In his previous match, Milos hit 67 winners and converted 63% of his first serve points. Novak is coming off an upset win over Frenchman Lucas Pouille in five sets. While Novak has played solid tennis of late, he does not have the experience to make a deep run at a Grand Slam tournament. With Raonic serving and utilizing his groundstrokes to his advantage, he should have no problem in getting to the Round of 16. Raonic in 3
Steen: Novak has a fantastic shot to claim a scalp here after previously upsetting Lucas Pouille in round 2. The qualifier is a great grass court player, but Raonic has been serving lights out and is yet to drop a set. Novak would beat many opponents in this draw, but Raonic won’t be one of them. Raonic in 3
Guido Pella vs Mackenzie McDonald
Lukas: Two unseeded players are taking the court for a spot in the Round of 16. Pella pulled off the upset of his life, beating Marin Cilic in five sets to claim his first victory over a top-5 opponent. McDonald is an up and coming American player, who coasted to two victories at Wimbledon with ease. Given Pella’s experience playing in big matches such as Davis Cup, he should have no problem defeating McDonald. Pella advances to his first Grand Slam Round of 16. Pella in 3
Steen: An intriguing matchup that will result in a meaningful accomplishment for the winner. Pella stunned defending finalist Marin Cilic in the previous round while McDonald needed 5 sets to put away Nicolas Jarry. Momentum says Pella will take this but McDonald has a better record on grass and I’m wary of backing players who scored significant grand slam upsets in their next match. McDonald in 4
Philipp Kohlschreiber vs Kevin Anderson
Lukas: This is the best third round match of the day tomorrow. German Philipp Koelschreiber has always been a tough player to face on the grass court. He is facing big server Kevin Anderson, looking to go deep at another Grand Slam major title. Anderson has won all three matches against the German, including at the Madrid Masters this year in straight sets. While this match will produce entertaining points, I think Anderson’s experience and overall game is too good right now. Anderson survives Kohlschreiber to advance to the fourth round. Anderson in 4
Steen: Despite consecutive easy wins, I still have Kohlschreiber as the underdog here. Anderson has dropped just a set in 2 matches, and although their grass court record is similar (with Kohli having a slight edge) I’m convinced in slams the South African #1 is simply better right now. Anderson should ride his serve to a win. Anderson in 4
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