Wimbledon 2018 – Match Thoughts & Polls

Final Match Poll for Friday

SF Match Polls for Thursday

QF Match Thoughts for Tuesday

Previews for all four matches HERE

QF Match Polls for Tuesday

R4 Match Polls for Monday

R3 Match Thoughts for Saturday

Halep vs. Hsieh: Excited for this match! Watch out Hsieh and remember what she did in Melbs. I could see her winning a set here. I’d probably still stick with Halep for the win.

Cibulkova vs. Mertens: 1-1 in the H2H and I am close to 50-50 on this match-up. I would have gone Mertens with some confidence but Cibulkova played a fantastic match vs. Konta. Mertens has rolled through the draw up till now. I think this could be a three set epic. I’ll go for Mertens but i’m not confident either way.

Ostapenko vs. Diatchenko: What a week for Diatchenko. It’s clear from her two wins that she has game. This is a new experience though at a Slam so would have to favour Ostapenko.

Gavrilova vs. Sasnovich: So many of these matches i’m struggling to pick out winner and particularly with the results we’ve seen this week. Gavrilova has had a surprisingly routine run, while Sasnovich backed up the upset over Kvitova. Heart says Gavrilova, head says Sasnovich.

Van Uytvanck vs. Kontaveit: I’m struggling to make my mind up with this match. Interested to see how AVU responds to her biggest career win over Muguruza and whether it will be an opening of the floodgates or hard to back it up. Kontaveit has been pretty sound through the first two rounds. I think I have more question marks around AVU, despite her playing the better tennis so far this week, so i’ll go for Kontaveit.

Barty vs. Kasatkina: My match of the day and tournament so far. Love them both. Sad one is going out but excited to watch them on a tennis court. Barty definitely the more comfortable on grass but that doesn’t always translate into the result. Kasatkina has the type of counterpunching game that Barty has struggled with and the Aussie will need to be both thoughtful and patient. I’ll stick with Barty, particularly after how she managed to turn her second round match around vs. Bouchard.

Kerber vs. Osaka: Hoping the crowd don’t disappear on CC as it will likely be around the time of England vs. Sweden. Kerber hasn’t played her best so far but she has been forced to battle hard and I think that means she will come into this match totally prepared and perhaps at a higher level than if she would be if she had strolled through the first two rounds. Osaka has been steady and is looking better and better on the grass.

I can honestly see this going either way! I feel Osaka is due a big win on grass and this could be it. I think this is a good match-up though for Kerber in being able to redirect and use Osaka’s pace. From what the Japanese player has said in press before, she has definitely cottoned onto pace being a benefit for opponents at times. Gosh i’m going round the houses here! I think Osaka will have to play a fantastic match and my hunch, as misguided as it has been in the past and particularly during this week, is that she may just bring it.

Bencic vs. Suárez Navarro: CSN won their only previous match on clay a few years ago in Stuttgart. Love how Bencic has been battling on court this week and feel she’s the better player on grass. I’m going for BB.

R3 Match Polls for Saturday

R3 Match Thoughts for Friday

Pliskova vs. Buzarnescu: My favourite match of the day and pleased to see Buzarnescu get on a show court. Pliskova is into the 3rd round of Wimby for the first time in her career after beating Azarenka on CC. Buzarnescu edged the battle of the in-form grass court players in the first round and then eased past Swan. I’d give Buz a real good shot at the upset simply for the confidence and level of play she has produced in the last month or two. I’m a tad worried about the shoulder.

V.Williams vs. Bertens: Venus has come from a set down to storm past her first and second round opponents. I thought the American looked excellent at the end of her win over Dulgheru. Bertens hasn’t dropped a set this week and is into the third round of Wimby for the second time in her career. The pair have played just once before with Venus saving match points to win in Miami earlier this year, 5-7 6-3 7-5. Bertens is a big hitter and grass should suit her game, but I sense she’s not quite there just yet. I do like how Venus is working her way into the tournament and I think she’ll take this one.

Goerges vs. Strycova: The pair are tied at 5-5 in their H2H and this will be their first ever match at a Slam and on grass! Goerges was forced to three sets in her second round match against Lapko and is into the last 32 of Wimby for the first time in six years. Strycova is a former Wimby quarter-finalist and is definitely the more comfortable player on grass. No doubt Goerges could catch a hot streak and blast Strycova off the court. I’m more inclined to say that Strycova will be able to get into the match and use her variety to upset Goerges’s rhythm.

Vekic vs. Wickmayer: Wicky is enjoying her best result at a Slam since the 2016 French Open. Vekic is in uncharted territory and is going for her first ever last 16 appearance at a Slam. She took out Sloane Stephens in the first round and then, just as impressively, backed it up with a straight sets win over Rebecca Peterson. Wickmayer has won their two previous matches on tour but the most recent of those was nearly three years ago. I think this could be a nervy affair! I’d like to say Vekic but feeling a tad wary.

S.Williams vs. Mladenovic: Very surprised how comfortably Mlads beat Maria. Big step up for Serena in quality but tend to think she’s building her form match-by-match and will win this one.

Keys vs. Rodina: Keys looked good against Kumkhum and was mostly clutch to win in straight sets. Rodina has confidence from five match wins but I think Keys will be too strong on the grass.

Giorgi vs. Siniakova: Siniakova has twice come from 2-5 down in the third set to claim extra time triumphs in her first two matches including saving a match point against Jabeur on Thursday. Instinct is for Giorgi to win this.

Safarova vs. Makarova: A Wimby quarter-final rematch from 2014 where Lucie won in straight sets. Just like her last match, Lucie has a 4-1 H2H lead. I like this match-up for Lucie as Makarova doesn’t possess a great deal of variety so there won’t be any surprises. I’m very optimistic which scares me 🙊.

R3 Match Polls for Friday

R2 Match Thoughts for Thursday

Halep vs. Zheng Saisai: Zheng has some variety but I don’t think it will be enough to topple a seemingly pressure-less Halep. Halep in 2.

Hsieh vs. Arruabarrena: Great chance for both players in a now seedless section. Arruabarrena has never made the third round of a Slam before. I’m more inclined to pick Hsieh who looks very natural on grass and as I’ve stated, looked good in Eastbourne and played well to beat Pavs in the first round. Hsieh in 2.

Konta vs. Cibulkova: One of the matches of the day. Both won in straight sets but were taken to a tiebreak in their first round wins. Konta had a few shaky moments but showed more belief than the Vik to come through. Konta has won their last two matches on hard courts in straight sets. I think the serve is key for Konta in this match-up. Quite close to 50-50 on this one. Konta in 3.

Mertens vs. Vickery: Surprised how easily both players came through their first rounders against tricky opponents. This is a memorable match-up from Hobart. Vickery won their last match at Indian Wells in 2017. I fancy Mertens, who has been pretty steady for most of the year, to take this one. Mertens in 2.

Ostapenko vs. Flipkens: Flipkens leads the H2H, 2-0 although they haven’t played since Ostapenko’s breakthrough on the tour. Flipkens has had a brilliant grass court season and is riding a five match winning streak having won the ITF tournament in Southsea. Ostapenko blew hot and cold in her first round win over Dunne, saving two set points to win in straights. I think this is an interesting match and Ostapenko is vulnerable, particularly with the variety and skills that Flipkens possesses on a grass court. I’m going for the upset. Flipkens in 3.

Kenin vs. Diatchenko: I had Sharapova vs. Sakkari in my draw but we get Diatchenko vs. Kenin! I think it will be tough for Diatchenko to back up that huge win over Sharapova. Kenin has shown form on the grass courts having reached the semi-finals of Mallorca. Kenin in 3.

Gavrilova vs. Stosur: Really pleased for Gavrilova to get her a first round win and put the loss to Radwanska (from match point up) behind her. Stosur’s had a good grass court season and opened with yet another win over Peng. Stosur won their last match on clay in Strasbourg. They’ve never played before on grass which I guess would favour Gavrilova but i’m not really sure. Stosur will look to be aggressive and finish the points early. Again, close to 50-50! Gavrilova in 3.

Sasnovich vs. Townsend: This could be a fun. Sasnovich was sensational against Kvitova and I guess she’s the favourite here as she seemed mostly unphased by that first round win! Both players are trying to reach their first third round at Wimby. Sasnovich in 3.

Muguruza vs. Van Uytvanck: I remember these two practised at Roland Garros. AVU had a drama free opener and I thought looked good vs. Kasatkina in Eastbourne before falling away in the third set. I’m not sold on Muguruza at this tournament yet. I don’t see this being an upset alert though. Muguruza in 2.

Kontaveit vs. Brady: I was going to watch Kontaveit on Tuesday but she won before I had time to flick over! I was worried about her pre-tournament after all the change in coaching. I think Kontaveit *should* win but may be vulnerable. I think this comes with a mild upset alert. Brady in 3.

Barty vs. Bouchard: Barty didn’t look at her best against Voegele in the first round, but did improve as the match wore on. Bouchard was taken to three sets against the Brit, Taylor. Bouchard has now racked up six wins on grass, half of her total wins for the year. A bit worried for Barty as Bouchard does seem to be building confidence. The pair have played once before in Miami last year where Barty won in three sets. I’m going to go for Barty as she has the variety that I think can upset Bouchard’s rhythm. If she can get the BH slice into play and get forward then I think she will be too good. Barty in 3.

Kerber vs. Liu: Great opportunity for last year’s junior champ who seems to love the grass having qualified and then beaten Konjuh in the first round. Experience should be enough for Kerber who was forced to play at a high level against Zvonareva. Kerber in 2.

Osaka vs. Boulter: Boulter won three games against Osaka in Brum so will be interesting to see whether she can do more in this clash. Osaka in 2.

Suárez Navarro vs. Sorribes Tormo: Both more accustomed to the clay. SST’s win over Kanepi was one of the low-key shocks of the day. CSN in 2.

Riske vs. Bencic: Hipster match of the day and grass court lovers paradise! The pair are tied at 1-1 in their H2H with both previous matches coming on hard court. Riske dropped just two games to Duque-Marino for her 12th win on grass this year. Bencic claimed another huge Slam scalp, knocking out Garcia in straights. Tough one to call. Close to 50-50. Both love grass and play their best tennis on this surface. More inclined to go for Riske for all the matches she has played on this surface. Riske in 3.

R2 Match Thoughts for Wednesday

Pliskova vs. Azarenka: Preview

Buzarnescu vs. Swan: Intriguing match! Swan gets her second Romanian player of the tournament after an impressive first round win over Begu. Buzarnescu has her shoulder heavily taped and this was bothering her in Eastbourne. However, she’s looking confident and was super resilient to beat a fading Sabalenka in three sets in the first round. Buzarnescu does like a natter on court and it will be interesting to see if the crowd gets involved with this one. Buz for the win as she’s looked great on the grass. Buzarnescu in 3.

Bertens vs. Blinkova: I didn’t get to see either play their first round match. Bertens had a routine win over Stefkova, while Blinkova had to battle through a gruelling three setter against Wang Yafan for her first main draw win at Wimby. Bertens the fave with experience but still not convinced by her belief on grass. I’ll take a risk and go for Blinkova to score the upset. Blinkova in 3.

V.Williams vs. Dulgheru: Didn’t have Dulgheru down as a grass courter! She’s had a great week having qualified for the main draw. I still think Venus is playing her way into the tournament and this is another ideal match-up on paper. Venus in 2.

Goerges vs. Lapko: First time meeting between the pair. Lapko saved two match points to beat McHale and win her first main draw singles match at a Slam. Goerges the favourite, but Lapko has already achieved a career milestone this week so should be feeling free. Goerges in 2 tight.

Strycova vs. Tsurenko: Tsurenko not one to dismiss after her fourth round showing at RG and had a very solid opening win over Babos. Impressed by Strycova’s form on grass and I think this could be a decent draw for her. Strycova in 2 tight.

Petkovic vs. Wickmayer: Blast from the past! The pair haven’t played since 2014. Petkovic has defeated a seed at each of the Slams so far this year. I guess it could be a scrap and I don’t think either are at their best on the grass. Petkovic in 3.

Vekic vs. Peterson: Good straight set wins for both in the first round. Vekic scored her best career win against Stephens, while Peterson won her first Wimby MD singles match. Peterson is a dangerous player with a good serve. I think this could be a battle. Vekic in 3.

Maria vs. Mladenovic: Mlads leads the H2H, 2-0 and won in three sets last year in Washington. Maria was barely winning matches at the start of the year and is now looking really strong on a six match winning streak. Mlads is battling hard but the level doesn’t seem to be there for me. Maria in 3.

S.Williams vs. Tomova: Tomova is having a super week at Wimbledon with her first wins on grass at the tour level to reach the second round. Interesting match here as I don’t know much about Tomova and I doubt Serena will too! Serena in 2.

Cirstea vs. Rodina: Another qualifier who has done well. Cirstea played a good match against Rybarikova and her aggression paid off. I think this will be a battle. Cirstea in 3.

Keys vs. Kumkhum: Interestingly, Kumkhum leads the H2H, 2-0! One of those was a retirement. Kumkhum has a different game and one that I would guess, works well on this surface. Keys is not really battle tested on the grass. At least she’ll be aware of the threat that Kumkhum poses. Keys in 2 tight.

Siniakova vs. Jabeur: This could be a very entertaining match. I enjoy watching both play. I’m finding it hard to pick a winner so the H2H stands out to me with Siniakova winning all three previous matches in straight sets. Never played on grass. Siniakova in 3.

Giorgi vs. Brengle: Oh myyyyy. Brengle has won their last three matches. Giorgi played well against Sevastova and I think grass maximises her weapons. Giorgi in 2.

Radwanska vs. Safarova: Preview

Wozniacki vs. Makarova: Preview

R2 Polls for Wednesday

R1 Match Thoughts for Tuesday

Halep vs. Nara: An ideal opener for Halep on paper, don’t see Nara having the game on grass to trouble the world number one. Halep in 2.

Pavlyuchenkova vs. Hsieh: Pavs leads the H2H, 2-0 with both previous wins on the grass! I’m going to ignore this (probably stupidly!) as I was really impressed with how solid Hsieh was in Eastbourne. I think Hsieh’s game suits grass and Pavs never really convinces me at the Slams. Hsieh in 2.

Konta vs. Vikhlyantseva: First time match-up. I think Konta is more comfortable on the grass. The Vik has stunning groundstrokes but has lacked belief in the matches I’ve watched this year. Konta in 2 tight sets.

Cornet vs. Cibulkova: Preview

Vondrousova vs. Vickery: Vondrousova hasn’t won a match since retiring with a leg injury in the quarter-finals of Stuttgart and has lost her last five matches on grass. Still, I find myself going for Vondrousova as wasn’t that impressed with Vickery in Eastbourne. Vondrousova in 3.

Mertens vs. Collins: Tough opener for Mertens. Collins is a pretty gutsy competitor and despite very little time on grass, played really well in Eastbourne. Mertens has lost a couple of tight ones of late and I’m not sure about her feelings on grass. Mertens in 3.

Ostapenko vs. Dunne: No alarm bells for Ostapenko IMO. Ostapenko in 2.

Watson vs. Flipkens: Watson did win their last match-up in the final of Monterrey but it’s Flipkens who comes in with the much more impressive form. Flipkens won the ITF tournament in Southsea and played great in ‘s-Hertogenbosch to make the final. I just don’t know if Watson’s confidence is there, even on grass and with the home crowd. Flipkens in 3.

Kenin vs. Sakkari: Underestimated this first rounder as Kenin made SFs in Mallorca and has quietly had some superb results on the tour. Sakkari has yet to win a competitive match on grass this year. Not convinced by Sakkari on grass but she often plays well at the Slams. Sakkari in 3.

Sharapova vs. Diatchenko: Shara for the win. Sharapova in 2.

Peng vs. Stosur: Toss-up this one. Stosur leads Peng in the H2H, 7-1 but they’ve never played before on grass. Peng had a bit of taping on her leg in Eastbourne but seemed to be moving OK. Stosur did well in Mallorca but still not convinced about her on grass. Peng in 3.

Kvitova vs. Sasnovich: I’m wary for Kvitova! They’ve never played before and Sasnovich has not won a set on grass this year. Kvitova in 3.

Muguruza vs. Broady: Great opportunity for Broady to play on Centre. I hope she can give it some welly. Muguruza in 2.

Brady vs. Kozlova: I think Brady is more comfortable player on grass. Brady in 2.

Kontaveit vs. Allertova: A bit concerned by Kontaveit’s form since her loss to Stephens at Roland Garros and splitting with long-term coach, Glenn Schaap. Allertova has a big game but doesn’t bring in form on the grass. Still an upset alert. Kontaveit in 3.

Barty vs. Voegele: Repeat match-up from Nottingham where Barty comfortably won, 6-3 6-3 with a stellar showing on serve. Not too concerned by this first round rounder. Barty in 2.

Linette vs. Putintseva: This is an interesting one as Linette leads the H2H, 3-0. I don’t think Poots is at her best on clay so will require quite a mental effort to turn the H2H around on this surface. Linette in 3.

Konjuh vs Liu: Really interesting match, Konjuh still coming back from injury while Liu is last year’s Juniors champ and successfully came through qualifying. Close to 50-50. Konjuh in 3.

Boulter vs. Cepede Royg: Boulter has had a really impressive grass court season and just reached the final in Southsea. I think this is a really good draw for Boulter in paper. Boulter in 3.

Osaka vs. Niculescu: Preview

Suárez Navarro vs. Witthoeft: The pair have combined for just one win on grass pre-Wimby. Witthoeft has a surprisingly strong record at the Slams and has reached the third round at Slam on five occasions. I’m not convinced by CSN on grass and despite not coming into the tournament in form, I like Witthoeft for the upset. Witthoeft in 3

Sorribes Tormo vs. Kanepi: I had SST down as a clay courter so a good result to qualify. I think Kanepi has the game on grass to power through this match-up. Kanepi in 2.

Riske vs. Duque-Marino: Have to favour Riske on the grass. Riske in 2.

Garcia vs. Bencic: Preview

R1 Match Polls for Tuesday

R1 Match Thoughts for Monday

Ka. Pliskova vs. Dart: I thought this would make Court No.2 so a little surprised that it’s on Court 12! Dart had a superb win over Kris. Plis. in Eastbourne. I don’t see any dangers for Ka. Plis. though. Pliskova in 2.

Azarenka vs. Alexandrova: I don’t think Azarenka was that convincing in Mallorca where she went 1-1, losing out to Safarova in R2. Alexandrova did reach the semi-finals of Ilkley and beat Ivanovic a few years ago at SW19. Still… Azarenka in 2.

Begu vs. Swan: I was impressed with Swan in Eastbourne where she took a set off Danielle Collins. Begu is 11-19 on grass and hasn’t won on the green stuff this year. I like Swan’s chances here with home backing. Swan in 3.

Sabalenka vs. Buzarnescu: Preview

Bertens vs. Stefkova: Bertens had a tough loss to Buzarnescu in Eastbourne so unsure how she will feeling mentally ahead of this clash. I don’t feel Bertens has much belief in her game on grass. The 23-year-old, Stefkova came through qualifying. I don’t know a great deal about Stefkova but I would tag this with a mild upset alert. Bertens in 3.

V.Williams vs. Larsson: Ideal opener on paper for Venus. I don’t see Larsson on grass providing too much danger, even with Venus having not played since the French Open. V.Williams in 2 with at least one tight set.

Goerges vs. Puig: Puig actually leads the H2H, 3-1 including a titanic 7-5 6-7 7-5 win at the French Open back in 2016. Goerges won their most recent match at the start of the year in Auckland in three sets. I’d take Goerges, who has looked OK on grass this year and with Puig coming back from injury in her first match since Rome. Goerges in 2.

Tsurenko vs. Babos: It’s hard to know with Tsurenko her status as she always seems to be injured! Babos has lost seven of her last nine singles matches. Tsurenko has won their last three matches. Tsurenko in 3 assuming she’s fit to play.

Strycova vs. Kuznetsova: Fun one, they haven’t played since 2014 where Kuznetsova won in straights. I wouldn’t say grass is Kuznetsova’s best surface, but she has had some decent results at Wimby. My only concern is Strycova loses the plot. I think Strycova is playing well enough to win this and she’s got a classy game for the grass. Strycova in 3.

Zhang vs. Petkovic: Neither has won a match on grass this year and I think both aren’t at their best on the green stuff. Definitely an upset alert and a chance for Petko who had a heartbreaker here against Cibulkova last year. Petkovic in 3.

Barthel vs. Wickmayer: I was shocked to find Barthel having to qualify for the main draw. The German player did so, saving match points in her second match against Dodin. I think that’s a huge result for Barthel and should give her confidence going forward in what looks like a favourable section of the draw. I remember the Barthel-Wickmayer match-up from 2012 where they had some good matches. Barthel in 2.

Kuzmova vs. Peterson: Quite high on Kuzmova who had a good run to the SFs in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Peterson has had an impressive year so no walkover. Kuzmova in 2 tight.

Stephens vs. Vekic: Preview

Svitolina vs. Maria: Tough opener for Svitolina who will need to be on her game against the slicing-and-dicing, Maria who won her first WTA title in Mallorca. Svits in 2 uncomfortable sets.

Schmiedlova vs. Mladenovic: Not really convinced by either player on grass. Mladenovic is battling well but the game doesn’t seem to be there right now. Mladenovic in 3.

S.Williams vs. Rus: Fascinated to see how Serena gets on as she doesn’t seem to be serving at her full potential based on her press conference. S.Williams in 2.

Rybarikova vs. Cirstea: Cirstea hasn’t won on grass yet this year. I wouldn’t write off her even against the grass loving, Rybarikova. Cirstea is a great competitor and I think this could be close. Rybarikova in 3.

Keys vs. Tomljanovic: No data points for Keys on grass who pulled out of Birmingham with an abdominal injury. I’m going for Keys based purely on recent Slam record and fondness for grass. Keys in 2.

Vandeweghe vs. Siniakova: We’ll probably know more about CoCo’s chances this week based on this match. She hasn’t look good so far but her game is dynamite on grass. Siniakova only played one match on grass and lost to Mlads in Brum. Vandeweghe in 2.

Krunic vs. Brengle: I think I saw Brengle on Instagram talk about an injury sustained in Surbiton. Krunic has looked excellent on grass this year. Krunic in 2.

Sevastova vs. Giorgi: One of the toughest first rounders. The odd results have started to creep into Sevastova’s year after a pretty solid start. I was shocked she lost her opener at the French to Duque-Mariño. Giorgi’s at her best on grass. I don’t think it’s happened for her yet this year with a 2-3 W-L record on grass. I’m not sure Sevastova will be able to contain Giorgi, if Giorgi plays a good match, and particularly having never played each other before. Giorgi in 3.

Radwanska vs. Ruse: Radwanska looked solid in Eastbourne. Hoping to watch Ruse for the first time. Radwanska in 2.

Safarova vs. Bondarenko: Bondarenko played well in Eastbourne. I’m more nervous about Lucie playing against players with lots of variety. I think this is an OK match-up for her.

Martic vs. Makarova: Preview

Wozniacki vs Lepchenko: Surprised this match got Centre. Lepchenko hasn’t played on grass so far this year. Tough turnaround for Woz but don’t hear any alarm bells. Wozniacki in 2.

R1 Match Polls for Monday

Follow Moo’s Tennis Blog on TwitterFacebook and Instagram