The Wimbledon third round will conclude as Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic hope to avoid upsets. Our panelists take you through the biggest matches of Saturday.
Karen Khachanov vs Frances Tiafoe
Yesh Ginsburg: Tiafoe looks like this will be his breakout tournament, and Khachanov is still not great on grass. Look for the young American to make his first Manic Monday. Tiafoe in 4
David Adair: Simply put, Khachanov is my dark horse for the tournament. Tiafoe is a great prospect, but it’ll be the North American hardcourt season before we see the best of him. Khachanov’s booming ground-stroke approach suits Wimbledon and an 11-5 grass court record this season show an affinity for the surface. He should prevail in the first meeting between these two bright prospects. Khachanov in 4
Brett Margolies: Frances Tiafoe shook off a slow start to advance past veteran Julien Benneteau. He admits grass isn’t his best surface, but he’s playing well right now. Khachanov needed five sets to get past Baghdatis; I’d give the edge to the American, he’s playing better at the moment. Tiafoe in 4
Eric Han: The battle of the young guns. Both players have been impressive all tournament, but I will give Khachanov the upper edge because Khachanov is the more consistent player at the moment. Khachanov in 4
Rafael Nadal vs Alex De Minaur
Yesh: This has upset written all over it. De Minaur is a huge server on grass, and Nadal did not look great in his second match. Nadal still struggles with his groundstrokes on the grass, and he is nowhere near his clay self right now. Also, the lack of preparation on grass will hurt. Give me the upset. De Minaur in 4
David: De Minaur was winless on grass coming into this. Nadal is vulnerable at Wimbledon and will drop a set, but should make it through. Nadal in 4
Brett: Alex De Minaur’s breakthrough win will come sooner rather than later. He’s fought hard to reach the third round and has played at the level that helped him win the Nottingham challenger title. Stylistically, Nadal is a matchup nightmare for the Australian who doesn’t possess the power game to knock Nadal off on grass. De Minaur keeps it close, but Nadal gets through. Nadal in 5
Eric: I expect De Minaur to come out with a ‘nothing to lose’ attitude. However, at the beginning he may be overwhelmed by playing in Centre Court for the first time in his career and start off nervous. This match will be straight forward for Nadal, and a big learning experience for the young Australian. Nadal in 3
Gilles Simon vs Matt Ebden
Yesh: Gilles Simon has never done well on the grass, and he was gifted an easy draw to get to this round. Playing someone comfortable on grass will be the end of that. Ebden in 3
David: Ebden leads the head-to-head and looked ruthless against Goffin in the first round. That said, Simon has looked solid this grass season. Expect this to go the distance. Ebden in 5
Brett: Gilles Simon has taken advantage of a favorable draw so far. Ebden is the better player on grass and had a nice grass court season leading up to Wimbledon. His “upset” win over Goffin has to give him a lot of confidence; I think he’ll get past Simon, but he won’t make it easy. Ebden in 4
Eric: Ebden actually leads their head-to-head 2-0 and all two matches have gone the distance. This will be their first meeting at a Grand Slam and I believe this match has 5 sets written all over it. It will be a interesting match as Simon has yet to drop a set, and Ebden knocked out Goffin in the first round and still going strong. Simon in 5
Nick Kyrgios vs Kei Nishikori
Yesh: This should be one of the best matches of the round, assuming Nishikori is healthy. He didn’t look good in his first match, but was very strong against Ryan Harrison. If this is extended, though, I can’t trust Nishikori late. Kyrgios in 5
David: A great match in prospect. That said, Krygios is looking dangerously focus and Nishikori doesn’t look fully fit. He was labored in victory over Tomic. Kyrgios in 3
Brett: This match has the potential to be the best in the round of 32. When Kyrgios is playing his game, he’s tough to beat. Nishikori is going to make him frustrated at times, but I think Kyrgios is just too good on the grass. Kyrgios in 5
Eric: This will be a fun match to watch. Nishikori leads their head-to-head record 3-0, but this will be their first meeting on grass. I do feel Kyrgios is the better player on grass overall, hence I give him the upper edge. Kyrgios in 5
Kyle Edmund vs Novak Djokovic
Yesh: Edmund looks great, but Djokovic is otherwordly right night. I don’t think there’s anyone in the draw, including Roger Federer, who can beat him at the level he’s been playing at. Djokovic in 3
David: There have been signs recently the the British number 1 tag is burdening Kyle Edmund. Djokovic is seen by many as the only alternative to Federer in terms of winning this year. It’s hard to see Kyle contradicting this view. Djokovic in 4
Brett: There isn’t a better for Djokovic to get revenge on the tournament for his court two assignment, by knocking out the British #1. It honestly looks like Djokovic is returning to his championship level, but time will tell. I don’t think he should have any issues here. Djokovic in 3
Eric: Djokovic has been looking sharp throughout the tournament and been playing better round by round. Even though Edmund is yet to drop a set and will be get the home support, Djokovic will be too good. Djokovic in 3
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