By Tony Fairbairn at Wimbledon
- Angelique Kerber [15] v Magda Linette
- Novak Djokovic [1] v Thanasi Kokkinakis
- Jelena Ostapenko [12] v Yanina Wickmayer [Q]
LONDON, ENGLAND – Former grand slam champions Angelique Kerber, Novak Djokovic and Jelena Ostapenko are looking to make an impact on day three of Wimbledon.
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Angelique Kerber [15] v Magda Linette H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Angelique Kerber [15] v Magda Linette | H2H: Kerber leads 1-0 |
| Wimbledon 2022 | London, England |
| Grass (O) | Prize Money: £78,000 |
| Second on Court Two (13:30 BST) | BBC Sport |
Former champion Angelique Kerber sent out a big statement by demolishing Kristina Mladenovic in her opening match as she searches for a fourth grand slam title. The German is looking to back up her convincing performances with deep grand slam runs and with a favourable draw, SW19 might be her year. Now Kerber looks to produce six more vintage performances and get back to tennis’ mount Rushmore.
Standing in Kerber’s way in the second round is Magda Linette who is used to upsetting the odds having taken out Ons Jabeur at Roland Garros. Linette is playing some of the best tennis of her career and the Pole’s aggressive style of play mixed with great defensive shots ensures she can play with freedom. Now Linette looks to upset another of tennis’ elite and reach the third round at Wimbledon for a third time in a row.
This will be a tougher test for Kerber, testing her defensive abilities and general ball-striking from the baseline. Although Linette will give Kerber a scare, the German should prevail even if it is in three sets.
Prediction: Kerber in three sets.
Novak Djokovic [1] v Thanasi Kokkinakis H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Novak Djokovic [1] v Thanasi Kokkinakis | H2H: Djokovic leads 1-0 |
| Wimbledon 2022 | London, England |
| Grass (O) | Prize Money: £78,000 |
| First on Centre Court (13:30 BST) | BBC Sport |
Novak Djokovic struggled through his opening round against Soonwoo Kwon but the world number one did what champions do and progressed in four sets. The Serb will look to play his way into the tournament and be better with each match as he cements his place as the favourite to win a seventh Wimbledon title.
Djokovic’s opening week doesn’t get any easier though as he takes on hard-hitting Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis. Kokkinakis is healthy, fit and playing some consistent tennis as he continues to fire his powerful forehand against his opponents. The Australian will now look to translate that fiery passion and game-style into results against elite opposition soon as he aims for a second week grand slam run.
This could be another match where Djokovic suffers a scare or two but the world number one should work his way into the match. This could be a match that will help him develop defensive quality, which could be crucial in the latter stages of the tournament.
Prediction: Djokovic in four sets.
Jelena Ostapenko [12] v Yanina Wickmayer [Q] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jelena Ostapenko [12] v Yanina Wickmayer [Q] | H2H: Wickmayer leads 1-0 |
| Wimbledon 2022 | London, England |
| Grass (O) | Prize Money: £78,000 |
| Second on Court Three (13:30 BST) | BBC Sport |
Jelena Ostapenko hasn’t quite matched the heights of her Roland Garros won but it appears the eccentric Latvian is back to playing her best tennis. Ostapenko has played a consistently high level throughout the grass court season and that was backed up by reaching the final in Eastbourne. Now the Latvian can believe that if she reproduces that form then another grand slam title might be around the corner.
Next for Ostapenko is Yanina Wickmayer who is just returning from being a mother. The Belgian had to qualify for Wimbledon and seems to have found her mixture of pace and variety back which can cause problems for any player. Now Wickmayer looks to cause a major upset which would be one of the most emotional of her career.
It will take time for Ostapenko to get used to her opponent’s style but as long as the Latvian finds a consistent base then she should have enough for the gritty Belgian.
Prediction: Ostapenko in straight sets.
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