Ivan Dodig and Latisha Chan beat Robert Lindstedt and Jelena Ostapenko the last time. Can they retain the title in Wimbledon 2021 by evading these challengers in our predictions
The fifth type of exciting match in Wimbledon 2021 or all grand slams is the mixed doubles. The mixed doubles games are one of the rarest ones as men’s and women’s tours are organized separately by the ATP and WTA, respectively. The Hopman Cup remains the tournament contested annually for the national teams that include only mixed double matches.
The skills required to excel in the mixed doubles games are pretty much the same as any men’s or women’s doubles match. It involves coordination, rhythm, and excellent reflex skills. With only three sets on offer and fewer chances of a comeback, the players need to focus more to accomplish victory.
The divisions have started getting interesting as the fourth round for all the sections beckon. We take a look at the Wimbledon 2021 predictions for this category.
Five potential pairs in the mixed doubles’ category to win Wimbledon 2021 in our predictions
Nick Kyrgios – Venus Williams
Nick Kyrgios and Venus Williams might have gone past Austin Krajicek and Sabrina Santamaria in the first round. However, they don’t have an encouraging record in the mixed doubles format. Nick Kyrgios’ best outing in grand slam mixed doubles is reaching the second round in the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon.
As for Venus Williams, she had won the Australian and French Open way back in 1998. The 1996 Wimbledon event saw the veteran lose in the finals. Though Williams has performed decently so far and no matter how old her record it gives an edge. Venus’ experience and Kyrgios’ aggressiveness might be enough for them to win the title.
Rajeev Ram – Bethanie Mattek-Sands
Fifth seed pair Rajeev Ram and Bethanie Mattek-Sands got the bye as they progressed to the second round directly. The pair overcame Benjamin Monroe and Renata Voracova 6-3, 3-6, and 6-4. Ram and Mattek-Sands will face Kevin Krawietz and Kvetosala Peschke.
Ram and Mattek-Sands should fancy their chances against Krawietz and Peschke as they both do not have a formidable record. Ram and Mattek-Sands are in the top 20 rankings and have also won grand slams, albeit not Wimbledon. But they could do it on this occasion.
Sania Mirza – Rohan Bopanna
Wild card entrants Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna overcame their Indian counterparts Ramkumar Ramanathan and Ankita Raina in the first round. The pair beat Aidan McHugh and Emily Webley-Smith in the second round to score a straight-set win again.
Mirza and Bopanna face reasonably stiff competition against Jean-Julien Roger and Andreja Klepac. Though Mirza and Bopanna do not have a commendable ranking now, Wimbledon is the only grand slam title in the mixed doubles that has eluded the former. The duo’s scintillating show so far keeps them in good stead to claim the crown this year.
Mate Pavic – Gabriela Dabrowski
Though Mate Pavic and Gabriela Dabrowski exited the previous Wimbledon in the third round, they are a must on this list. Mate Pavic holds the first ranking in doubles, while Dabrowski is number 11. The second seed pair beat Matthew Ebden and Samantha Stosur in the opening round via straight sets.
But Pavic and Dabrowski are yet to go past the quarter-finals in the mixed doubles division of Wimbledon. But Pavic has won the Australian Open and US Open. On the other hand, Gabriela has the Australian Open title and French Open titles under her belt. The pair should get by with little trouble in the third round against Sander Gille and Hayley Carter.
Ivan Dodig – Latisha Chan
Ivan Dodig and Latisha Chan are the mixed doubles defending champions of Wimbledon 2021. But they are yet to start their campaign as they face Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi and Nadiia Kichenok. Latisha Chan has already shone in the women’s doubles, reaching the third round.
On the other hand, Ivan Dodig, unfortunately, could not reach beyond the second round in the men’s doubles. But there’s no denying the Croatian’s ability when it comes to playing doubles. Apart from winning Wimbledon once, Dodig has won the French Open mixed doubles title twice and achieved all with Latisha Chan. The pair remains the frontrunner to retain their title.