The second round of Wimbledon is just around the corner and it already seems that another frenetic Grand Slam awaits us. Number one seed Aryna Sabalenka will take on young American McCartney Kessler in what should be a fantastic encounter. As always, at LWOT we offer our roundtable predictions for every match on the calendar. But who will advance?
Wimbledon Day 3 Predictions
Jelena Ostapenko vs. Antonia Ružić
amanda
After a chaotic first round victory, Jelena Ostapenko may not be playing her best tennis, but she is certainly fighting at every turn. Antonia Ružić had good luck with Emma Raducanu’s withdrawal and took advantage of a lucky losing first round opponent. Still, Ostapenko is a tougher challenge and it’s hard to see Ružić topping this grass matchup.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Jordan
This match will be played with Ostapenko’s racket, as is usually the case. The Latvian was chaotic and imperfect against Harriet Dart, but barely managed to come out ahead. Ružić is less comfortable defending than Dart, which could make Ostapenko more comfortable.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 2
Janice Tjen vs. Daria Kasatkina
amanda
Janice Tjen pulled off a straight sets upset in the first round, while Daria Kasatkina played three sets against an opponent ranked almost 300 spots below her. Kasatkina’s level is not what she needs against the best players, and Tjen is in good shape to take advantage of it.
Prediction: Tjen in 2
Jordan
Tjen was excellent against Leylah Fernandez. Kasatkina will bring better defense but less capable striking than the Canadian. I’m narrowly in favor of Tjen winning a close game.
Prediction: Tjen in 3
Karolína Muchová against Shuai Zhang
amanda
Karolína Muchová and Shuai Zhang met two weeks ago in Berlin and Muchová won comfortably in two sets. Muchová has only played better since then, and it will be difficult for Zhang to change the script.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Jordan
Zhang’s win over Bianca Andreescu at this stage of her career was outstanding. However, I don’t think he has much chance against Muchová. The Czech is playing much better than Andreescu and her range suits a matchup against Zhang.
Prediction: Muchová in 2
Aryna Sabalenka vs. McCartney Kessler
amanda
McCartney Kessler’s victory in the first round was impressive 6-0, 6-0, but her opponent’s level on grass is far from Aryna Sabalenka’s level. Sabalenka looked solid in her first match and won in straight sets the last time she played Kessler, and she looks ready for the second week of this tournament.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Jordan
Kessler generated some attention by beating Oleksandra Oliynykova 6-0, 6-0 in the previous round. However, she benefited from a terrible performance by the Ukrainian. Sabalenka is most likely too good for her.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Feature Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – Imagn Images
