Day 2 of #Wimbledon sees the packed top half of the women’s draw in action. Defending champion Angelique Kerber opens play on Centre Court as part of the tradition while Serena Williams, Ashleigh Barty, Sloane Stephens, Kiki Bertens, Petra Kvitova, Maria Sharapova, Belinda Bencic are all in action as well.
For the first time in history, the Centre Court and Court No.1 will both schedule two women matches and one men’s singles match, and the quality of the women’s top half certainly deserves the position. With so many intriguing encounters shaping up, here are three must-watch matches of the day.
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs Belinda Bencic
#AnastasiaPavlyuchenkova reached the quarterfinals of Wimbledon back in 2016, therefore being one of the few active players who managed to reach the last eight at all the Grand Slams. After a stellar start to the year which saw her make the quarterfinals at the Australian Open, the Russian has been unable to replicate the high level she displayed in Melbourne as she dropped out of the top-40. Being unseeded but dangerous in the draw, she definitely has the ability to challenge the top players and should never be underestimated.
Belinda Bencic has had some impressive results on grass — winning the Eastbourne title in 2015 and reaching the fourth round of Wimbledon last year. In addition, the Swiss reached the Mallorca Open final this year as well, though narrowly missed out on the trophy as she failed to convert three match points against Kenin. Bencic has been one of the better players on grass on the tour and should be able to claim this win in straight sets over an out-of-form Pavlyuchenkova.
Prediction: Bencic d. Pavlyuchenkova in straight sets
Ons Jabeur vs Petra Kvitova
#OnsJabeur reached the semifinals of the Nature Valley International last week but was forced to concede a walkover to Kerber due to an ankle injury sustained against Cornet in the round previously. Initially looking in doubt for Wimbledon, Jabeur will now battle against time to get ready for the first-round clash against another player who is under an injury cloud, #PetraKvitova.
Kvitova herself was also in doubt for the tournament due to a left forearm injury which kept her out of Roland Garros. However, she confirmed her participation on Saturday as the Czech looks to challenge for her third Wimbledon trophy. With no match practice heading into the tournament, there is a lot of uncertainty revolving around Kvitova’s game and form, with most pundits already writing off her chances of being the last survivor in the draw. Though, the lack of media attention could benefit her instead.
If both players were to be healthy, this will definitely turn out to be such a great match. Kvitova comes into the encounter as the favourite and should be able to shrug off any rustiness in the early stages.
Prediction: Kvitova d. Jabeur in straight sets
Donna Vekic vs Alison Riske
#DonnaVekic has had her fair share of tough draws but this is unfortunately yet another addition to what could be considered a horrifying grass-court season. From losing a heartbreaking Nottingham final against Garcia to drawing eventual champion Barty in Birmingham, and initially drawing Konta in Eastbourne before withdrawing — it has been an unlucky grass-court season for the Croatian. Nonetheless, considering her run to the Nottingham final in the first week, Vekic should be pleased with her level of play.
Waiting for her in the first round of Wimbledon would be another player who reached a WTA final on grass as well. Not only did she reach the final, but she stunned the local favourite and world number four Kiki Bertens by saving five match points to lift the title. That player is #AlisonRiske, who also managed to claim an ITF 100k title on grass. Riske has always been a huge threat on this surface and this is definitely one of the best first-round match-ups at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
Vekic holds a 2-1 lead in their head-to-head series but it is Riske who prevailed in their only meeting on grass which came in Birmingham two years ago. This could be a chance to go deep in the draw for either player and I think Vekic will just narrowly triumph in three sets as she had received the tougher tests along the way and has been tested more often.
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