By Tony Fairbairn At Wimbledon
- Novak Djokovic [2] v Andrey Rublev [7]
- Iga Swiatek [1] v Elina Svitolina [WC]
- Jannik Sinner [8] v Roman Safiullin
- Jessica Pegula [4] v Marketa Vondrousova
LONDON, ENGLAND – Novak Djokovic takes on Andrey Rublev while Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula are on a semi-final collision course in the first of the Wimbledon quarter-finals.
 |
Novak Djokovic [2] v Andrey Rublev [7] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Novak Djokovic [2] v Andrey Rublev [7] | H2H: Djokovic leads 3-1 |
| Wimbledon 2023 | London, England |
| Grass (O) | Prize Money: £340,000 |
| Second on Centre Court (15:00 BST) | BBC Sport |
Novak Djokovic dropped his first set of this year’s Wimbledon as he had to overcome a stern test from Hubert Hurkacz. However Djokovic’s clutch serving and incredible defensive play proved too strong in the big moments as he searches for a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title. Now Djokovic will look to continue to prove that his game is too strong for the rest of the field as he continues to grow in confidence with each match.
The next obstacle for Djokovic is Andrey Rublev who produced one of the shots of the tournament to edge past Halle champion Alexander Bublik. Rublev’s agility mixed with incredible power from any position on the court makes him a threat to anyone as he continues to grow in confidence over this grass court season. Now Rublev looks to make a big impression in his first Wimbledon quarter-final as he looks to beat the greatest player of all time.
Djokovic will look to continue his clutch serving as well as remain consistent on return as he looks to neutralise Rublev’s power with depth. Meanwhile the seventh seed looks to use angles on the forehand side to create space on the court and hit efficient winners to cause Djokovic problems. Despite a valiant effort from Rublev, Djokovic should be too strong and consistent for the seventh seed.
Prediction: Djokovic in straight sets.
Iga Swiatek [1] v Elina Svitolina [WC] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Iga Swiatek [1] v Elina Svitolina [WC] | H2H: Swiatek leads 1-0 |
| Wimbledon 2023 | London, England |
| Grass (O) | Prize Money: £340,000 |
| First on Centre Court (13:30 BST) | BBC Sport |
Iga Swiatek is into her first Wimbledon quarter-final but not without a scare after the world number one was forced to save two match points against Belinda Bencic. Swiatek’s ability to elevate her game on the important points was once again incredible to see as she overcame an aggressive Bencic to reach the last eight. Now the Pole looks to make more history in the second week as the Pole looks to be the ultimate contender for this year’s Wimbledon title.
Next for Swiatek is wildcard Elina Svitolina after the Ukrainian held her nerve in a dramatic match against Victoria Azarenka to reach the quarter-finals at Wimbledon. The Ukrainian has gained confidence with each tournament since returning to the tour and now finds herself in a second consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final. Now with motivation at its all-time highest, Svitolina looks to reach a second Wimbledon quarter-final as she looks to transform herself from pretender to contender.
Swiatek will look to be aggressive with the short balls as she looks to use the angles to take Svitolina’s counter-attacking options away from her. Meanwhile the Ukrainian will look to serve consistently well as she aims to neutralise Swiatek’s efficient returning. This should be a quality affair with both players believing they can win this battle of stamina. In the end Swiatek should have too much energy and quality for Svitolina, who relies so much on energy and footwork but fatigue should catch up to the Ukrainian in this quarter-final match.
Prediction: Swiatek in three sets.
 |
Jannik Sinner [8] v Roman Safiullin H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jannik Sinner [8] v Roman Safiullin | H2H: Sinner leads 1-0 |
| Wimbledon 2023 | London, England |
| Grass (O) | Prize Money: £340,000 |
| Second on No.1 Court (14:30 BST) | BBC Sport |
Jannik Sinner is back into the Wimbledon quarter-finals having gone through the draw relatively comfortable. The Italian has bounced back from his agonising defeat to Daniel Altmaier at Roland Garros and is now ready to bring his powerful baseline game to new heights at SW19. There is a lot of expectation on Sinner given his potential and now the eighth seed will look to fulfil that at Wimbledon this year.
Next for Sinner is first time Grand Slam quarter-finalist Roman Safiullin who blasted his way past Denis Shapovalov to reach the last eight at Wimbledon. Safiullin has a big serve and a big baseline game to back it up as he has now constructed confidence and form into one big run at Wimbledon. Now Safiullin with the pressure off his shoulders, Safiullin will look to continue his dream run at Wimbledon.
Sinner will look to neutralise Safiullin’s return and set up most of the rallies on his forehand as he looks to test Safiullin’s defence. Meanwhile Safiullin will look to continue to serve well as he looks to open up space in the court to expose Sinner’s lack of variety. This match will be a battle of who can be aggressive the most on a consistent basis. Sinner should use his experience to do that as he bids for a first Grand Slam semi-final.
Prediction: Sinner in four sets.
Jessica Pegula [4] v Marketa Vondrousova H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jessica Pegula [4] v Marketa Vondrousova | H2H: First Meeting |
| Wimbledon 2023 | London, England |
| Grass (O) | Prize Money: £340,000 |
| First on No.1 Court (13:00 BST) | BBC Sport |
Jessica Pegula has completed the career Grand Slam of quarter-finals as she moves into the last eight of Wimbledon. The American is yet to face testing opposition but Pegula is one of the most consistent players on the tour and has once again proved that at SW19. Now Pegula looks to contend for Grand Slam titles and would love nothing more then to do at one of her weakest surfaces.
Standing in her way is former Roland Garros finalist Marketa Vondrousova as she breaks new ground on the grass. Prior to Wimbledon, Vondrousova had never reached the third round at SW19 but Vondrousova has changed all that by knocking out three seeds in the form of Veronika Kudermetova, Donna Vekic and Marie Bouzkova. Now Vondrousova looks to reach her second Grand Slam semi-final at the expense of another seed.
Pegula will look to use depth from her serve as she looks to dominate the longer rallies and create opportunities from the forehand side. Meanwhile Vondrousova will look to use a mixture of aggression and variety to force unforced errors from Pegula. This should be an entertaining battle which Vondrousova should edge given her impressive attacking consistency at this tournament so far.
Prediction: Vondrousova in three sets.
How to Watch/Follow Wimbledon 2023
| TV | Across BBC Channels & Red Button |
| Live Stream | BBC Sport |
 Sign up to PBLC for free to support ongoing contributions from Britwatch Sports |
| Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
|---|---|
| Subscribe to Britwatch Sports | |
| Soundcloud | |
| YouTube | |
| We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website | |