Each day of the tournament, we'll preview and predict three must-see matches at Wimbledon.
Roger Federer [3] vs. Alexandr Dolgopolov
Judged on style points, this will be the match of the first round. When it comes to feel, hands, spin and shot-making, Dolgopolov is one of the few players who can give Federer a run for his money. But when it comes to actually winning points, that’s where he’s probably going to come up short. These two have played three times, and Dolgo has yet to win a set. He’ll likely wow the Centre Court crowd with his rifled forehands and finely carved drop shots, but Federer will likely win the points that matter.
Winner: Federer
Novak Djokovic [2] vs. Martin Klizan
Djokovic has never had any trouble with Klizan; they’ve played three times and the Serb has won in straight sets on each occasion. But despite being just 1-5 for his career at Wimbledon, the Slovak is a shot-maker, and his lefty serve could prove troublesome on grass, even for Djokovic’s return. Klizan used his serve to push Nadal in a close four-setter here three years ago, and he pushed Djokovic to a second-set tiebreaker in Acapulco earlier this season. But Djokovic should be feeling better after his win in Eastbourne over the weekend.
Winner: Djokovic
Angelique Kerber [1] vs. Irina Falconi [Q]
Going by ranking—Kerber is No. 1, Falconi No. 247—and head-to-head record—Kerber won their only meeting, 6-2, 6-3—this one has the makings of a one-sided contest. And it will be if Kerber, last year’s Wimbledon runner-up, reaches the level we know she can reach on grass. But the German has made it back to that level precious few times so far this season, and she lost her last Grand Slam opener, in Paris, in two quick sets. This is an opportunity for Kerber to put the first six months of 2017 in the rearview mirror and start fresh.
Winner: Kerber
