Three cheers for Magdalena! In one of the most curious tennis stats, Magdalena Rybarikova had never won a main draw match at Wimbledon in seven previous attempts. It’s a surprising stat because Rybarikova’s game is perfect for the grass. She has demonstrated this in Birmingham where she was crowned champion in 2009. Rybarikova won her first match at Wimbledon, albeit via a retirement, when Karin Knapp was forced to pull out down 7-6(6) 3-0. It was also the first time that Rybarikova had beaten Knapp on the tour so a double whammy. Rybarikova plays the number eight seed, Ekaterina Makarova in the second round. Makarova was reportedly troubled by an achilles injury at Eastbourne, but won her first singles match at Wimbledon without too much fuss, beating Sachia Vickery, 6-2 6-4.

Rybarikova leads the head-to-head against Makarova, 2-1. Their first encounter back in Birmingham in 2010 was won by Rybarikova in a third set tiebreak. Makarova won their last match in Washington and convincingly, 6-1 6-1. Rybarikova’s level can vary from match-to-match but particularly between different surfaces. Makarova has become a stalwart on tour and her consistency has been rewarded with her position in the top ten. However, she has looked more fragile in recent months. Rybarikova has a shot at the upset now she has the monkey off her back with Wimby wins but i’m *just* favouring Makarova’s consistency and experience at pulling out wins at the Slams.

Prediction: Makarova d. Rybarikova in 3 sets