Garbine Muguruza in the second round of Wimbledon, 2018
Garbine Muguruza in the second round of Wimbledon, 2018 | Jimmie48 Tennis Photography

Tennis | Wimbledon 2021 | Three to see on Day 5

  • Ons Jabeur [21] v Garbine Muguruza [11]
  • Karen Khachanov [25] v Frances Tiafoe
  • Elise Mertens [13] v Madison Keys [23]
LONDON, ENGLAND – The third round matches kick off on Friday with three intriguing matches as a place in the second week is at stake.

 

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Ons Jabeur [21] v Garbine Muguruza [11] H2H & Match Fundamentals

Ons Jabeur [21] v Garbine Muguruza [11]

H2H: Muguruza leads 1-0

Wimbledon

London, England

Grass (O)

Prize Money: £115,000

1st on Centre Court (13:30 BST)

BBC Sport

Birmingham champion Ons Jabeur’s unique style of tennis has earned a place in the third round of Wimbledon after an impressive display over five-time champion Venus Williams. The Tunisian is well in the mix to have another deep grand slam run but will have to beat another former champion in the last 32.

That’s because 2017 champion Garbine Muguruza awaits in the third round. The Spaniard has been in scintillating form so far having only lost six games in her opening two matches. It’s been a turbulent season for the world number 12 but on her day she can outpower the best players in the world.

A few seasons ago we would be talking about a definitive loss for Muguruza but the Spaniard has matured since then and although Jabeur will push her to her limits, Muguruza should have too much the Tunisian.

Prediction: Muguruza in three sets.  

 

Karen Khachanov [25] v Frances Tiafoe  H2H & Match Fundamentals

Embed from Getty Images

Karen Khachanov [25] v Frances Tiafoe

H2H: Khachanov leads 1-0

Wimbledon

London, England

Grass (O)

Prize Money: £115,000

1st on Court 18 (11:00 BST)

BBC Sport

Being in the third round of a grand slam is familiar territory for Karen Khachanov but his form suggests that his confidence couldn’t be lower right now. The Russian’s big-hitting style is always going to be effective on grass and he will be hoping that he can finally make a big breakthrough at one of these grand slams.

As for his opponent, Frances Tiafoe, his confidence couldn’t be any higher having won a challenger event in Nottingham and backing that up with wins over Stefanos Tsitsipas and former quarter-finalist Vasek Pospisil. The American is playing some hard-hitting grass court tennis and has every right that this might be his year of reaching the second week at SW19.

This is Tiafoe’s best opportunity to reach a second week at a grand slam and all things suggest that the American will take advantage of Khachanov’s unpredictable form and confidence.

Prediction: Tiafoe in four sets.

 

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Elise Mertens [13] v Madison Keys [23]   H2H & Match Fundamentals

Embed from Getty Images

Elise Mertens [13] v Madison Keys [23]   

H2H: Federer leads 18-2

Wimbledon

London, England

Grass (O)

Prize Money: £115,000

3rd on Court One (16:30 BST)

BBC Sport

Elise Mertens has proven to be one of the most consistent players on the tour having recorded some great wins on the WTA tour. Although grass is not her most favourable surface, the Belgian has still looked impressive so far and is looking for another grand slam second week.

Next for Mertens is former grand slam finalist Madison Keys who has never quite excelled on grass despite most people assuming it would be her favourite surface due to her big shot-making. It’s been a difficult season for the American but it seems like that she is now finally starting to build some form and momentum.

The first serve percentage will be key for both plays but the American should dictate the majority of the points and if she can limit her unforced errors than she should reach the last 16 of Wimbledon.

Prediction: Keys in three sets.   

 

 

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