Saturday, Day 12
(1) Ash Barty vs. (8) Karolina Pliskova: And then there were two… I find it quite amusing that both Barty and Pliskova came into Wimbledon with ZERO wins on grass and now they are the 2021 Wimbledon finalists! If i’m honest, of the four possible final match-ups, it’s probably my least favourite match-up on paper 😂. But then again, matches where I have low expectations tend to be the best ones!
It feels rather poetic that Barty and Pliskova arguably played their best matches of the year. Barty’s forehand was absolutely on song as she rallied from 2-5 down in the second set to beat Kerber, 6-3 7-6(3). Pliskova crumbled at the end of the first set of her semi-final having missed eight break points on Sabalenka’s serve, but then played an absolutely inspired final two sets and was imperious on serve as she beat Sabalenka, 5-7 6-4 6-4.
Barty leads Pliskova, 5-2, in their head-to-head and Barty has won their last three matches. They’ve all been close though including their most recent match in Stuttgart where Pliskova served for the match. Barty won, 2-6 6-1 7-5. Barty goes in as the favourite and I think that being the underdog will suit Pliskova. Barty has spoken openly about how it was a childhood dream to win Wimby so it does make me wonder how she handles the occasion.
Unsurprisingly, i’m sticking with my champ Barty in this one! Not going to be easy because Pliskova has played one hell of a tournament up till now and her serve has been almost untouchable. I’m sure it will be another serve-dominated affair. Key for Barty will be simply landing meaningful returns in court and using the backhand slice to get the rallies on her terms to then dictate with the forehand. I like how Barty has played her way into the tournament and improved with every match. All elements of her game came together against Kerber and it feels like she is peaking at just the right time.
Thursday, Day 10
(1) Ash Barty vs. (25) Angelique Kerber: The prospect of Barty-Kerber on grass is tantalising. I was so wrong with my excitement for Kerber-Muchova in the quarters that i’m trying to temper my expectations (but in my head i’ve decided it’s going to be a classic and surely the match of the tournament 😂😂😂).
Barty enjoyed her most convincing win of the tournament so far against Tomljanovic in the quarts. With respect, I think Siniakova and Krejcikova presented much tougher challenges to Ash. In all four of her matches she has faced setbacks up a set and a break and managed to reset, competing superbly along the way. Compared to her title runs at the Yarra Valley, Miami and Stuttgart, I don’t think Ash has been close to that level at Wimbledon yet. Kerber is riding a ten match winning streak and just looks completely at home on the grass. She wasn’t really tested by Muchova and it was probably the ideal match having been pushed to three sets in her two previous matches.
The pair have split their four previous meetings which have all been on fast hard courts. Their last two have been on what I think are low bouncing courts, like Wimby, at Wuhanbledon (Barty won, 7-5 6-1 in 2018) and Sydney (Kerber won, 6-4 6-4 in 2018). I think Barty could be there for the taking. The serve has got her out of trouble at times but it’s not quite been the backbone to her game that it has been for much of the year with just 55% of first serves in for the past two matches. Kerber’s on a roll although I do think her serve is attackable. I had Kerber out in the QFs in my draw and that was because I thought she might run out of steam from her Bad Homburg run.
Tough one and yet another close call. I’m really surprised that Barty is the clear favourite with the bookmakers as I’d put them quite close to 50-50. I’m going to stick with Ash. Absolutely no doubt that Ash will have to raise her game by a few levels to match Angie but she’s been steadily improving round-by-round and tend to think she can do it.
(2) Aryna Sabalenka vs. (8) Karolina Pliskova: Sabalenka has broken down two barriers to reach her first ever Slam semi-final and finally got the monkey off her back. Key to her last two wins has been aggressive returning of Rybakina and Jabeur’s second serves. Pliskova has had the most comfortable route of the last four players standing and she is yet to drop a set. Pliskova played arguably her best match of the year against Golubic in the quarters. The serve has generally been quite fragile this year. At Wimbledon, it’s been a return to it’s former glory with an average of 83% of points won behind the first serve.
The pair have played twice before and I really couldn’t remember either match! Sabalenka leads the head-to-head, 2-0, but both went deep into a third set in Eastbourne (6-3 2-6 7-6(5)) and Cincy (2-6 6-3 7-5) back in 2018.
Pliskova’s run has come out of nowhere as she went 0-2 on the grass and has generally had an indifferent season. The level against Golubic was vintage Pliskova. I think it is favourable how Sabalenka has been tested in her last two matches and had to bring a high level against stellar, in-form and hard-hitting opponents. I also think having broken the 4th round barrier, Sabalenka is on a bit of a roll and that must have been such a huge relief. Pliskova has been serving superbly this tournament but she hasn’t yet come up against a returner of Sabalenka’s pedigree yet. I’m going to step out of the wooliness and go for Sabalenka.
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Tuesday, Day 8
(19) Karolina Muchova vs. (25) Angelique Kerber: I am so excited about this match-up! Match of the day and probably my favourite match-up of the tournament so far. Kerber was fantastic against Gauff and played her best match of the tournament so far. I wondered how the SST match might affect her physically but she’s been going from strength-to-strength since then and it’s a joy to watch to watch this resurgence. Muchova has made it back-to-back quarter-finals at Wimbledon. I don’t feel like she has hit her top form yet but she’s rattling through these matches with supreme efficiency. I think it’s another nod to her class. Muchova and Barty are the only two players to have reached two Slam quarter-finals so far this year.
Kerber leads Muchova, 2-0 in their head-to-head with wins in Miami (3-6 6-3 6-3, 2019) and Monterrey (6-3 6-4, 2019). I remember the Miami match which was a super contest. I’m so torn on this one. I had Muchova in my draw to the semi-finals and I always like to honour those picks. I think everyone knows i’m high on Muchova! It’s hard to ignore Kerber’s form at this tournament and having that history of going all the way at Wimby. This is an interesting switch-up in the dynamics for Muchova who has played four big hitters up till now and had to do quite a bit of defending. I think Muchova will have to be the aggressive player in this match to win and look to come forward. I’m torn! Head says Kerber, heart says Muchova.
(2) Aryna Sabalenka vs. (21) Ons Jabeur: Sabalenka and Jabeur will collide for a first ever Slam semi-final. Jabeur has had the toughest route of anyone and rallied from a set down to beat both Muguruza and Swiatek in the last two rounds. One of the best stories of the tournament so far! Sabalenka meanwhile finally broke through to the last eight at a Slam, serving well to beat Elena Rybakina in three sets.
We’ve only had two instances of this match-up but it’s one that draws me in with their unique clash in styles. Sabalenka was asked in her press conference about the French Open match last year which Jabeur won in three sets. She said that she really wanted to win their match and didn’t go after shots. The pair played more recently in Abu Dhabi where Sabalenka was in a rather destructive mood, 6-2 6-4. I think Aryna went after her shots!
I’m really torn again. Can you tell i’ve lost my confidence from yesterday’s poor picks and i’m feeling woolly 😂. Sabalenka has just broken this huge barrier by reaching a first Slam QF and I remember many instances in the past that when a player does this, they tend to keep on going. But Jabeur has been superb at this tournament and it feels like it might be her time to do something really special.
(8) Karolina Pliskova vs. Viktorija Golubic: Golubic is into a first Slam quarter-final. Pliskova is into her first since the 2019 Australian Open. Interestingly, Golubic won their only most previous meeting in Fed Cup action in 2016, 3-6 6-4 6-4. I think Pliskova is the favourite based on her experience at this level and with the serve being reliable so far this tournament. But I would not be at all surprised to see Golubic win this match. The Swiss player was fantastic against Keys and I thought it was arguably the performance of the day on Manic Monday. Golubic showed off all elements of her game and it’s effectiveness on grass. Might come down to nerve and whether Golubic can hold it together mentally if she gets in a winning position.
(1) Ash Barty vs. Ajla Tomljanovic: An all-Aussie quarter-final clash for Centre Court! Really pleased for Tomljanovic who I had noticed had kept stumbling at the second round hurdle at Slams. It was such a shame that she didn’t get to fully celebrate her winning moment in what was such a sad ending all round on Monday. Of the four quarter-finals, it’s the only first time meeting. Barty has been steadily improving round-by round and competing superbly. I think Barty’s competitive instincts and variety, notably the backhand slice staying low on this surface, will be able to disrupt Tomljanovic’s rhythm. Barty for the win.
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Monday, Day 7
(20) Coco Gauff vs. (25) Angelique Kerber: The star-studded section of Serena-Bencic-Kerber-Gauff lost Serena and Bencic in the first round but Kerber and Gauff have progressed and will contest the match of the day on Manic Monday. I am so excited about this one because I really don’t know what to expect, or how it will unfold. The pair have never played before… ding ding ding!
Gauff hasn’t dropped a set yet this week although she has yet to play someone ranked inside the world’s top 100. Still, you can only beat who is in front of you and Coco has come through so far with flying colours. Kerber’s route through the draw has been much more demanding as she played arguably the match of the tournament in the second round against Sara Sorribes Tormo, prevailing in a three hour and 19 minute slugfest. Kerber then went the distance again in the third round against Aliaksandra Sasnovich, ending in style with just one game dropped in the final two sets.
This is so tough to call! It really is a 50-50 clash IMO. Kerber obviously loves the grass and I would guess Gauff too with her recent success. I’m going for Kerber. She’s played her way into form, both last week in Bad Homburg and at Wimby this week and had to bring a high level to reach this stage. Physical ailments could be an issue I guess but I think the way she came through against Sasnovich was noteworthy.
(7) Iga Swiatek vs. (21) Ons Jabeur: What a prospect! Two of the most exciting players on tour collide for a place in their first ever Wimbledon quarter-final. I’ve been so impressed with both in the first week. I didn’t really know what to expect from Swiatek who said herself in press that she’s not comfortable on grass yet. Swiatek has dropped just 13 games in three matches.
Jabeur’s had one of the toughest routes to the last 16, beating Venus Williams and Garbiñe Muguruza back-to-back. The latter was one of the matches of the tournament and a bruising affair. I wondered how Jabeur would handle the occasion. After a nervous start, Jabeur held it together and played a brilliant match.
Ohhh it’s another close call. I’d say of all eight matches, this is the one i’m having the hardest time at picking a winner and have literally gone back and forth. Swiatek should have a lot left in the tank but i’m not sure her third rounder against Begu, where she wasn’t tested in the slightest, was the greatest preparation for Jabeur. I like when a player has been tested because I think it shows they’ve had to raise their level. I’m going to completely contradict myself now. I’d give the slightest of edges to Swiatek still. I feel like Swiatek might have the mental edge with so much on the line.
(1) Ash Barty vs. (14) Barbora Krejcikova: It doesn’t get much better than this. The world number one against the French Open champion! It’s also a battle of recent French Open champs too. Barty has been steadily improving round-by-round but is still someway off her best. There was tension at the end of her third rounder against a surging, Siniakova but I thought Barty did extremely well to close it in straights. Krejcikova just can’t stop winning! I thought she was there for the taking in the third round against Sevastova. Krejcikova played a superb third set to win her 15th straight match. Seriously, what an effort this is from Krejcikova.
Ring those bells because it’s a first time meeting! I’m fascinated to see how their games match up and I think Krejcikova’s game style can certainly cause Barty some problems. I tend to think that Krejcikova is going to run out of steam here and Barty will prevail. Once again, a first Wimby quarter-final is on the line for the pair.
(2) Aryna Sabalenka vs. (18) Elena Rybakina: Helmets at the ready! I’m loving the variety on show with this fourth round slate as in contrast to the last two match-ups, this is an absolute big hitters paradise. Both going for a first Wimby quarter-final (again!) and in Sabalenka’s case, a first Slam quarter-final anywhere. Sabalenka’s path has been the trickier and she fended off a valiant charge from Katie Boulter in the second round. Rybakina has been totally under-the-radar. Rybakina’s serving stats have been incredible so far. She has won 85% of first serve points and won 26 of her 27 service games!
I still remember Sabalenka and Rybakina’s last match-up vividly, a high quality contest in Abu Dhabi at the start of the year. The thing that got me was the sound of the ball off the racquet, especially Rybakina. It was immense! Sabalenka held on in three sets, 6-4 4-6 6-3. Actually Sabalenka leads the head-to-head, 2-0 having also won in three sets in Wuhanbledon in 2019. I’m going to ignore the H2H this one and go for Rybakina. It’s the way that she has silently snuck through this draw and clearly her run at Rolly G gave her a huge boost. Personally, i’d love to see Sabalenka finally break through into the last eight but I think it’s a tall order and there will be a lot of pressure and nerves for her to contend with. I think Rybakina will thrive as the underdog.
Emma Raducanu vs. Ajla Tomljanovic: I think this wins the award for the most unlikely fourth rounder. Did anyone have either Raducanu and Tomljanovic making it this far in their draw?! Raducanu has been one of the stories of the Champs, beating two top 50 players in Vondrousova and Cirstea and playing some inspired tennis to win her first ever Slam main draw matches and reach the second week. For Tomljanovic, she’s also achieved a career feat by making it this far. The last time Tomljanovic made it past the second round of a Slam was in 2014! I was surprised she beat Ostapenko, mainly with the nerves aspect. In hindsight, I don’t know why because I still didn’t trust Ostapenko 😂.
I actually think Raducanu wins this. While Tomljanovic has the far superior tour experience, she’s had some shaky losses and nerves have played a part. The match against Halep earlier this year on MCA in Australia springs to mind. Of course, i’m sure Tomljanovic learned from that experience and she will know that the crowd is going to be a thing. Raducanu has been fearless up till now, obviously it could get too much for the Brit as well. Tending to think Tomljanovic will be more affected by it and it will be a lot to contend with.
(8) Karolina Pliskova vs. Liudmila Samsonova: This is the first time that Pliskova has reached the second week of a Slam since the 2019 US Open. 6-2 6-2 over Vekic in the second round was a notable win. Samsonova is riding a ten match winning streak and has translated her form from Berlin to Wimby with superb wins over Kanepi, Pegula and Stephens. Samsonova likes the grass!
I think Pliskova is the safer pick and more likely to bring a consistent level. I’m actually going for Samsonova to keep this run going. Her game is dynamite on the grass and she’s clearly relishing this occasion and playing with so much confidence. What did it for me is that Samsonova managed to break Stephens in the first game of the third set of her third rounder and then held all the way to the end. Nerves of steel!
(19) Karolina Muchova vs. (30) Paula Badosa: Blimey another first time meeting! Neither were seeded to make it this far but I don’t think it’s a surprising match-up? I did have this one in my draw! Both have had a nervy three setter along the way and obviously survived. I think Badosa is a dangerous player and a bit of an unknown quantity on grass. Still, i’m going for Muchova because I think she’s more comfortable on grass and has a bit more Wimby experience. I like how she has managed her tournament so far against three tricky opponents.
(23) Madison Keys vs. Viktorija Golubic: Keys played arguably her best match of the year to beat Mertens in the third round. It was a fine display and one that displayed how Keys’s game is perfect for the grass. Keys will be the clear favourite heading into this form. Golubic though should not be underestimated. The Swiss player has had a great year, a great tournament and must be buzzing to be in the second week of a Slam for the first time. I’m getting mild Keys-Rodina vibes to be honest! Sticking with Madison but I am a tad wary about this match.
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Saturday, Day 6
(16) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs. (19) Karolina Muchova: This is the only all-seeded match-up of the half and I think it’s probably the match of the day too. I didn’t have high hopes for Pavs at Wimby but here she is in the third round, having dropped just ten games through two rounds. Muchova has had a much tougher route and survived Camila Giorgi in the second round which was a huge result.
Pavs leads Muchova, 2-0 in their head-to-head with wins in Moscow (6-4 6-7(6) 6-1, 2019) and Madrid (7-6(4) 7-6(2), 2021). Their match in Madrid earlier this year was high quality and very tight. I think Muchova was struggling with the abdominal injury. This should be another tight match. Little to separate the pair. I think the Giorgi test will only make Muchova stronger and I love her game on the grass. Yeah, no surprises, I’m going for Muchova!
(14) Barbora Krejcikova vs. Anastasija Sevastova: Even if the tournament ends here for Krejcikova, I think she has done brilliantly to make it this far without any competitive matches on grass prior to Wimby and handling this brand new situation. Krejcikova is riding a 14 match (!) winning streak which started back in Strasbourg.
Ring the bells because this is a first time meeting between Krejcikova and Sevastova! And it should be a rather beautiful match because these two can play some gorgeous tennis. This is such a difficult match to try and make any kind of prediction. What Krejcikova is doing right now is unprecedented. Sevastova is certainly capable of the upset but she’s unpredictable and unreliable! I’ll be watching this one for sure.
(1) Ash Barty vs. Katerina Siniakova: There’s been a noticeable improvement in Siniakova’s singles results since Istanbul and I wonder if Krejcikova’s recent singles success, and their doubles success at the French, may have spurred her on further? Barty and Siniakova have never played before in singles. I think Barty is vulnerable at the moment with her game still not clicking on grass. Immediately after I watched Barty’s match against Blinkova I thought Siniakova was winning this. The more I’ve let it settle, I tend to think Barty’s variety will prevail. Tough match though.
(20) Coco Gauff vs. Kaja Juvan: The youngest match-up of the round. And I can’t believe Juvan is three years older than Gauff! The pair last played in Adelaide at the start of the year where Gauff won a tight three setter, 3-6 7-5 6-3. I think this match could be a close one. Gauff has been so reliable over these past few months that I tend to think she’s going to find a way to get the W, even if it’s a struggle at times.
(30) Paula Badosa vs. Magda Linette: Huge opportunity for both players to reach the second week of Wimbledon. Badosa’s rise to relevance this year has been pretty extraordinary. Backing up her French Open quarter with her best result at Wimby is impressive. Even beating Svitolina in the second round, I feel like Linette is going under-the-radar and she’s a very solid player. Another first time meeting and one of the toughest matches to call on the day. With no real inclination, i’m more tempted to pick Badosa because i’ve got her to the fourth round in my draw 😂.
Sorana Cirstea vs. Emma Raducanu: Yeah, I didn’t see this one coming as a third round match! Cirstea was on such a high after beating Azarenka in the second round. Great match and she said it was the best moment of her career! Raducanu broke new ground with her first ever top 100 win over Vondrousova in an inspired display. Cirstea rightfully the favourite with experience. Raducanu is an unknown quantity so anything could happen!
(25) Angelique Kerber vs. Aliaksandra Sasnovich: Just wondering how Kerber recovers from that incredible second rounder against Sorribes Tormo. Sasnovich has history at Wimby as a giant-killer, beating Kvitova in the first round in 2018 en route to reaching the fourth round. Kerber has looked superb on grass over the past two weeks so it’s hard to go against Angie.
Jelena Ostapenko vs. Ajla Tomljanovic: Very happy for Tomljanovic that she finally broke through the second round barrier to reach the third round of a Slam for the first time since 2014. Up against it here though with Ostapenko who looks the favourite to reach the quarters from this section.
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Friday, Day 5
(11) Garbiñe Muguruza vs. (21) Ons Jabeur: Yayy that a great looking match-up from the draw unveil has become an eventuality. At the same time, cursing these two have to meet so early when you see how the draw has broken apart in other places. That’s the luck of the draw! Both Muguruza and Jabeur have reached the third round without a dropping a set. Both haven’t been tested.
In their only previous match in 2020, Muguruza saved a match point to beat Jabeur in Hobart, 3-6 6-3 7-6(4). This match is surely going to be on Centre. It’s a fascinating match-up and i’m interested to see how Ons will react to the occasion. There’s something about Muguruza quietly floating through a Slam draw. Health/fitness has been a concern over the past few months. So far, so good. A tough one to call. I’m leaning towards Mugsy.
(13) Elise Mertens vs. (23) Madison Keys: This is a hugeee match-up for the third quarter of the draw with the winner very likely to be favourite to reach the quarters, perhaps the semis. Both have sailed into the third round. Keys dropping 12 games. Mertens just six! It’s yet another bruising third rounder for Mertens having gone the distance with Sakkari at this stage of the French and just coming up short. Since then, Mertens has lost two more heartbreakers on the grass to Tomljanovic (6-7(5) 7-6(5) 6-7(4) in Birmingham) and Gauff (6-0 6-7(4) 5-7 in Eastbourne). That’s quite a bit of scar tissue and will surely be tough to shake off.
Keys leads Mertens, 2-0 in their head-to-head with both previous wins coming at Slams at the US Open (6-3 7-6(6) in 2017) and Australian Open (6-3 6-2, 2019). While Keys has not been consistent at all over the past year or so, she has the weapons on grass to take the match away from Mertens. I liked the draw on paper for Keys. I liked that she played some matches on grass and played a great match against Sabalenka in Berlin. I like how she’s started the tournament and is talking in press. It’s probably no surprise that i’m picking Keys!
Liudmila Samsonova vs. Sloane Stephens: An all unseeded third rounder but this is legit. Samsonova is riding a nine match winning streak from her run in Berlin where she won the title as a qualifier. Stephens is a Slam champ, steadily building form over the past few months and with top ten wins to her name at the last two Slams. The pair have actually played before in Brisbane in 2020 where Samsonova had one of her best runs including a win over Stephens, 6-4 2-6 6-3.
I have to be honest, I wondered if the Berlin run might be a flash in a pan for Samsonova, one of those great weeks where everything comes together. There hadn’t been many signs to pre-empt what happened in Berlin. I’m so pleased to see Samsonova translate her form from Berlin to Wimby with two superb wins over Kanepi and Pegula. Grass courts just seem to suit Samsonova’s huge game. Going on instinct, I think Samsonova’s winning run continues.
(2) Aryna Sabalenka vs. Maria Camila Osorio Serrano: I think this could be a really fun match. Osorio Serrano does not have much experience on grass but her spirit and attitude is pulling her through. I think Sabalenka will win in straights but i’m keen to watch this!
(18) Elena Rybakina vs. Shelby Rogers: As much as I like Shelby, i’m surprised she’s made it this far because I wasn’t that impressed when I watched her live in both Wimby and Eastbourne! The pair just played recently in Berlin where Rybakina won, 2-6 6-3 6-4. Rybakina has become quite reliable in the past few weeks and I think she’s one to watch in this draw.
Viktorija Golubic vs. Madison Brengle: Gosh, what an opportunity for both players to reach the second week. Both have taken out seeds with Golubic prevailing in an extra-time finish over Kudermetova and Brengle beating Kenin in one of the strangest results on the stats page that i’ve seen in a while. Golubic just beat Brengle in qualifying for Eastbourne, 4-6 6-3 6-0! I think Golubic is the better player and has more game, but it all comes down to whether she can hold her nerve.
(7) Iga Swiatek vs. Irina-Camelia Begu: Really impressed with Swiatek so far this week. Begu’s a quality player on her day. Not feeling an upset alert though.
(7) Karolina Pliskova vs. Tereza Martincova: Dreamy draw on paper for Pliskova up against Martincova who has never reached this stage of a Slam and is in ununcharted territory. It will take a lot for me to be convinced by Pliskova again. Surprised if she doesn’t win this one though.
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Tuesday, Day 2
(1) Ash Barty vs. Carla Suárez Navarro: What an occasion! So pleased Carla will get a Wimby send-off on Centre Court. Intrigued to see how Barty gets on and I guess we’ll know more about how well she has healed from the hip injury.
(14) Barbora Krejcikova vs. Clara Tauson: This is the one… The 50-50 match that I deliberated over! There are so many unknowns. This will be the pair’s first Wimbledon main draw slam match in singles! There’s just no knowing how Krejcikova will handle the occasion and she did talk about the stress of having to do a pre-tournament press conference, something she had obviously never done before. Tauson has had just the one match on grass before Wimbledon. Again, very few grass court data points for Tauson. Because of the uncertainty, i’ll take a punt on Tauson!
(5) Bianca Andreescu vs. Alizé Cornet: A Berlin rematch! The pair played just two weeks ago where Cornet won, 7-6(2) 7-5. So few data points for Andreescu but she has another week under her belt following her trip to Eastbourne. Tend to think Andreescu will turn the tables for a win.
Monday, Day 1
(7) Iga Swiatek vs. Hsieh Su-Wei: My match of the day. I have quite high hopes for this one and tend to think it will deliver. Not too concerned that Hsieh has won just one match since her run to the quarter-finals in Australia because she’s comfortable on grass and loves a big stage, a big crowd.
(10) Petra Kvitova vs. Sloane Stephens: Previewed in my draw preview. I’m going for Petra.
(2) Aryna Sabalenka vs. Monica Niculescu: I love this match-up lol. Sabalenka can be a bit wild in the early rounds and Niculescu could drive her mad if Sabalenka can’t land the first meaty strike. Not an easy match-up and wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Niculescu get a set.
Venus Williams vs. Mihaela Buzarnescu: Tough one to call. Going for Venus’s history and presence at Wimby. I was impressed with Buzarnescu though at the French against Serena.
(4) Sofia Kenin vs. Wang Xinyu: I’ve gone back and forth with this one. In the end, I wimped out of going for the upset. I remembered how I got burned at the French. Kenin has Svitolina vibes in terms of proving people wrong when she looks vulnerable. I am feeling upset potential because I’m worried by Kenin’s lack of grass court preparations, plus I think Wang is one to watch.
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