Wimbledon 2021 has only been two days since it started and it already feels like a festival, we dwell into the predictions for the competition
While only most fixtures of round 1 stand completed so far, it has witnessed some of the most thrilling clashes. Even unseeded and qualifiers have given the tournament favourites a run for their money.
The first day of the tournament itself had seen an upset as Stefanos Tsitsipas suffered a straight-set defeat to Frances Tiafoe. But most of the favourites in the men’s category have met the expectations so far and are likely to go the distance. Nevertheless, it would be naive not to back some of the underdogs to create more upsets.
Wimbledon 2021 Predictions men’s singles category
Alexander Zvarev
Alexander Zvarev opened his Wimbledon campaign with a straight-set victory over Tallon Griekspoor in the first round. Alexander Zvarev unleashed a series of quick-fire serves, recording 20 aces overall. Furthermore, the 24-year old had 81% first-serve points on his first serves.
Nevertheless, Alexander Zvarev does have some chinks in the armoury that one would expect to iron out. The German’s gameplay, which was aggressive for the most part and not willing the Dutch to edge ahead whenever he threatened, was his most potent weapon. It would be interesting to see how he responds against tougher opponents in a bid to win his first Wimbledon title.
Roger Federer
After disappointing in Halle 2021, due to which people doubted Roger Federer, he managed to progress to Wimbledon’s second round. Roger Federer’s opponent, Adrian Mannarino, retired before the fifth set after his right leg slipped behind the baseline. It prevented Mannarino from putting any weight on his leg.
Hence, Federer won 6-4, 6-7, 3-6, 6-2 to progress through the next round of the event. But the 39-year old could have a rough time moving forward as he already racked up 45 unforced errors. Federer was also overall able to convert only two out of his eight breakpoints into wins. Thus, he has some chinks to rectify if he is to travel the distance. But he remains a strong contender for a record ninth title.
Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev overcame a tricky challenge from Jan-Lennard Struff on Tuesday in the first round to advance to the next. Daniil Medvedev won 6-4, 6-1, 4-6, 6-7 (3) as he took revenge from the German, who knocked him out of the Halle Open this year. But the Russian had little trouble putting away Struff in the grand slam to see him feature in our Wimbledon 2021 predictions.
The 25-year old did not lose heart even as Struff threatened a comeback by sealing the third set. However, Medvedev bounced back by winning the fourth with some difficulty. The world number two could reach number two for the first time by winning the title here or making it to the final and Novak Djokovic does not. Medvedev opening match hints he is up to the task.
Matteo Berrettini
Italy’s Matteo Berrettini is one of the most improved players in recent times. Matteo Berrettini won the Queen’s Championship, making his grasscourt debut, beating Cameron Norrie in the final. The decider was the first time in the tournament that the Italian dropped a set.
The 25-year old has one of the best serves and the Cinch Championship this year saw him serve at a speed of 137 mph. Berrettini will open his Wimbledon campaign against Guido Pella on Wednesday. A lot would be expected this time from the world number nine.
Novak Djokovic
None other than the defending champion and the world number one remains the strongest contender to win Wimbledon this year. Novak Djokovic has already won the Australian and French Open this year. By winning the French Open, the Serbian became the first player in the open era to win all the grand slams at least twice.
The 34-year old has also started his Wimbledon title defence with a victory over Jack Draper. It was a typical Djokovic win, too, as he lost the first set and won the next three comprehensively. The 34-year old unleashed 25 aces against Draper and trumped him in every aspect. Djokovic’s hunger to win another Wimbledon is palpable and remains a firm favourite to retain the crown.
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