Several intriguing first-round contests cap the opening day of Wimbledon, which pits established contenders against dangerous opponents and rising talents looking to make their mark on the grass. Our authors analyze four more women’s matches and make their predictions.
Predictions for the first day of Wimbledon among women
Jessica Pegula vs Daria Vidmanova
Amanda:
For the past two years, Jessica Pegula has followed a pattern: warming up well on the grass, but losing early in Wimbledon. After reaching the final in Berlin, Pegula is in some danger as Daria Vidmanova is on the rise and could be a problem. Pegula should still be able to win this match, but her Wimbledon past is disappointing and Vidmanova’s increasingly high level raises some doubts early on.
Forecast: Sugar at 3
Nurein:
Vidmanova just entered the top 100 and won her first title of the season a week ago. But getting into the top 10 on your Wimbledon main draw debut is an almost impossible task.
Forecast: Sugar in 2
Leila Fernandez vs Janice Tien
Amanda:
Neither Leila Fernandez nor Janice Thien have had a particularly remarkable season on grass, and this will be Thien’s first appearance in the Wimbledon main draw. However, Thien has beaten Fernandez twice this year, with both wins coming in straight sets, and Fernandez’s Wimbledon record is not strong enough for experience to make a difference.
Forecast: Serve at 2
Nurein:
Fernandez did not have great results at Wimbledon, but Janice Thien showed that she belongs at this level. The Canadian has lost in this tournament and her poor performance could continue against a woman she has never beaten.
Forecast: Serve at 3
Lilly Tagger vs. Lanlana Tararudi
Amanda:
Lanlana Tararudi was dominant in her Australian Open qualifying win over Lilly Tugger and with both players making their first Wimbledon appearances, Tugger’s best hope is to find her footing on the surface. In terms of opposition, Tararudi has the advantage.
Forecast: Tararudi at 2
Nurein:
Thugger is almost certainly a future star, but the transition from the junior level has been difficult. However, getting into the top 100 at the age of 18 is a huge achievement. Thugger has adapted well to the faster courts and I think she is playing on harder ground in this match.
Forecast: Tugger at 2
Daria Kasatkina vs. Mingge Xu
Amanda:
Daria Kasatkina has had a subpar season on grass, but she is still the clear favorite in her first round match against Mingge Xu. Xu, a wild card, is currently outside the top 300 and Kasatkina should take the win here despite her form issues this season.
Forecast: Kasatkina at 2
Nurein:
This should be the match that allows Kasatkina to finally end her winless streak. The Australian may not have a typical grass game, but she is still one of the most skilful players on the tour.
Forecast: Kasatkina at 2
Main photo credit: Smartframe Images