The stage is set for an exciting second day of Wimbledon, with a host of stars in attendance. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule, including Elena Rybakina vs. Lois Boisson, Madison Keys vs. Kayla Day, Serena Williams vs. Maya Joynt, Elina Svitolina vs. Daria Snigur, Amanda Anisimova vs. Lina Gyorcheski, Linda Noskova vs. Ella Seidel, and Alexandra Ela vs. Renata Zarazua. But who will make it to the second round?
Forecasts for the second day of Wimbledon
Iga Swiatek vs Taylor Townsend
Zane: The defending champion begins her campaign in a potentially tough match against Taylor Townsend, who with her aggressive play and good volleys could cause some problems on the grass. But Iga Swiatek’s base level is too high, so even if she has some early-game jitters, she should perform well enough to secure a spot in the second round here.
Forecast: Swiatek at 2
Ilemona: Townsend’s serve and volleyball game makes her a dangerous opponent on the grass, and she will try to avoid scoring whenever possible. Swiatek continues to improve on the surface, and her return and passing strokes should allow her to gradually neutralize Townsend’s offensive moves.
Forecast: Swiatek at 2
Nurein: Swiatek feels much more comfortable on grass than before, but this opening should be difficult to navigate. Townsend brings so much skill to the court with his doubles prowess. However, Swiatek’s movement and comeback should ultimately take over in this matchup.
Forecast: Swiatek at 2
Donna Vekic vs Ashlyn Kruger
Zane: Ashlyn Kruger has a serve and forehand combination that can cause problems on the grass, and against Donna Vekic she will have her opportunities as the Croatian doesn’t defend as well as she did a couple of years ago. But Vekic has played pretty well leading up to this tournament, and if she maintains that level, it wouldn’t be a surprise if she pulls off another close win here.
Prediction: Vekic starts at 3
Ilemona: This match should feature a lot of big serves and aggressive exchanges down the baseline. Vekic’s experience on grass and ability to score points early could make the difference against an opponent who is still developing on grass.
Prediction: Vekic starts at 3
Nurein: Kruger is one of the toughest qualifiers that Vekic could have drawn. The Texan has played some amazing tennis since moving down to a lower level as she tries to rebuild her career. Vekic will have to work to win, but he should be strong enough to qualify for Wimbledon.
Prediction: Vekic starts at 3
Katie Bouzkova vs Talia Gibson
Zane: This match is a contrast of styles, pitting Talia Gibson’s aggression against Marie Bouzkova’s defensive abilities. While Gibson is capable of getting past Bouzkova at times, she is prone to making mistakes, and against a defender of Bouzkova’s caliber, that could ultimately be her downfall. Expect Bouzkova to win here.
Prediction: Buzkova in 3
Ilemona: Bouzkova’s movement and consistency have made her one of the toughest opponents on grass over the past few seasons. Gibson has made a significant rise in the rankings, but Buzkova’s defensive skills should give her plenty of extra goals, which could give Buzkova an edge at Wimbledon.
Prediction: Buzkova at 2
Nurein: Bouzkova doesn’t overwhelm her opponents, but she is an excellent defender and moves as cleanly as some of the fastest players on tour. Gibson has had a breakthrough, but it is Bouzkova who is in good form after winning in Nottingham.
Prediction: Buzkova at 2
Katie Swan vs. Irina-Camelia Begu
Zane: Both of these players, who are currently well outside the top 100, have a great opportunity to advance to the second round of a major. At Wimbledon, Katie Swan will undoubtedly be supporting the home fans, but Irina-Camelia Begu is a more consistent and versatile baseline player. Expect her to use this to her advantage and score a landslide victory.
Prediction: Running in 3
Ilemona: Swan knows how to use home conditions to his advantage and often produces his best results on British grass. Despite this, Begu’s experience and ability to change pace should help her get through the difficult moments.
Prediction: Running in 3
Nurein: Swan will have support at home and will be comfortable playing on grass. The Briton has a good serve and a willingness to attack short balls. Notably, the only time she has won a main draw match at Wimbledon was eight years ago against the same opponent she is due to face on Tuesday.
Forecast: Swan at 2
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports