Day 2 of Wimbledon brings a full half of the women’s first round–32 matches in all. And as always, we here at LastWordOnTennis predict every single one for you. We split Tuesday’s matches between eight articles. In addition to this one, our other articles feature Iga Swiatek vs Sofia Kenin, Jelena Ostapenko vs Ajla Tomljanovic, Danielle Collins vs Clara Tauson, Jessica Pegula vs Ashlyn Kreuger, Elena Rybakina vs Elena-Gabriela Ruse, Caroline Wozniacki vs Alycia Parks, and Ons Jabeur vs Moyuka Uchijima. Predicting these matches are Damian Kust, Jordan Reynolds, and Manuel Traquete. Who do you think will win?
Wimbledon Day 2 Predictions
Marketa Vondrousova vs Jessica Bouzas Maneiro
Damian:
Vondrousova is in a funny situation as her title last year was a big shock and defending it literally wouldn’t be any less surprising. Her chances of going all the way don’t seem great, but she’ll likely make her way past Bouzas Maneiro at least.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Jordan:
This is a good first round draw for the defending champion. Bouzas Maneiro is very talented but her success so far during her young career has come on clay. I doubt she is ready to overcome Vondrousova on grass.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Manuel:
The reigning Wimbledon champion is starting her title defense this Tuesday and she is an overwhelming favorite here against a player who has had no prior success on this surface. While it will be very difficult to defend the title, Vondrousova should make easy work of this opening round.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Katie Volynets vs Maria Carle
Damian:
Volynets dropped a set in the opening round of the qualifying but then ended up being too solid for the rest of her opponents. Could be the same story here. The cap on her potential doesn’t come into play when an inexperienced grass-courter like Carle is on the other side of the net.
Prediction: Volynets in 2
Jordan:
Both players are probably pretty happy with this draw. Carle is a clay court specialist, while grass also suits Volynets’ gritty style the least. But the American qualifier is backed to come through. Her game is more adaptable to different surfaces than Carle’s and she also possesses greater variety.
Prediction: Volynets in 2
Manuel:
Although the players are close ranking-wise, on grass Volynets seems to be the clearly superior player, as shown by her excellent run through the Wimbledon qualifying. She should be able to advance here.
Prediction: Volynets in 2
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Cristina Bucsa vs Ana Bogdan
Damian:
Tough to pick a favorite here between two players who have been middling recently. Bogdan had a good start to the season, but now the last few months it’s maybe even her coming into this one with less confidence than Bucsa. Is this enough to favor the Spaniard in the coin flip? Maybe.
Prediction: Bucsa in 3
Jordan:
Bucsa is one of the few Spanish players who does not always play her best tennis on clay. Her flat shots are a good fit for grass if she can find her range. Bogdan is a grinder and gets a lot of balls back into court, but I like Bucsa’s chances in this matchup.
Prediction: Bucsa in 3
Manuel:
Both players have been struggling during this grass season and they have similar levels overall too. It should be a very close match, with perhaps Bodgan having a very slight edge. It should be a close match decided by small details.
Prediction: Bogdan in 3
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Barbora Krejcikova vs Veronika Kudermetova
Damian:
It’s a question of form and pedigree with Kudermetova. The Russian is an excellent grass-courter no doubt, it’s just that her year is not working out for her at all thus far. Given Krejcikova isn’t flying at the moment either, gut feeling is Kudermetova can turn things around in London.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 3
Jordan:
Both players showed some hopeful signs in the lead up to Wimbledon after difficult seasons so far. This is a tough one to call, but Krejcikova is backed to win a close match. Her overall game is more complete on grass, even though Kudermetova’s powerful serve and groundstrokes give her a chance of prevailing.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 3
Manuel:
Ranking-wise, this is the closest match of this first round; there is very little to separate these two players, but in previous matchups Kudermetova has had the edge and she is a very slight favorite here.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports