Wimbledon Tips: Day 2

The Wolf got off to a flyer last night. His feature previews went 4-0 with a refund on the fifth following the retirement of Nick Kyrgios. It was a bad day for the Aussies with all three men (Kyrgios, Whittington and Millman) crashing out. Aussie fans will be hoping for a change of fortune tonight when Tomic, Kokkinakis and Thompson take the courts at the All England Club. Federer, Djokovic and Raonic will be among the top seeds in action on Day 2.

Day 2: Feature Previews

Juan Martin Del Potro v Thanasi Kokkinakis

Even at his best Wimbledon has not been the happiest stomping ground for Del Potro. He has made it beyond the 4th round on just one occasion here which is very surprising when you look at his game – huge serve, crushing forehand, effective backhand slice and a very accomplished net game. A closer look reveals that in his 7 appearances he has lost to top notch opponents. In order… Federer, Wawrinka, Hewitt, Nadal, Ferrer, Djokovic and Pouille. Kokkinakis has his work cut out for him but he does have the benefit of matches on grass including a dramatic win over Raonic. The Argentine on the other hand comes into this one cold – without a single match on grass. Breaks of serve will be few and far between and The Wolf says they will trade breakers in the first two sets leaving this one in the balance. The Over is the play here.

Best: Over 39.5 games ($1.91)

Mischa Zverev v Bernard Tomic

The Wolf is never one to back Tomic but Larry Emdur is screaming ‘Come On Down’. The price is right and we have to take advantage. Tomic dismantled the German last week in Eastbourne winning 6-3 6-2. Zverev’s serve and volley game falls right into Tomic’s lap and the Aussie loves nothing more than short points and a target to shoot for. Zverev also lacks an effective baseline game which will prevent him from pushing Bernard around the court. At this price a Tomic win is a great bet!

Best: Tomic WIN ($1.91)

Alexandr Dolgopolov v Roger Federer

Federer heads into his quest for a 8th Wimbledon crown as the form favourite and deservedly so. His win in Halle was his 4th title of the season and his dominance over several in form players was a clear sign that he is at the peak of his powers. His net game in particular was very impressive. He has clearly focused on making his first volley count and The Wolf expect him to bring out the entire bag of tricks against Dolgopolov from slice backhands to drop shots and drop volleys. Federer is 3-0 lifetime against the Ukranian and is yet to drop a set against him. It has been 7 years since Federer dropped a set in the opening round here and The Wolf says he will be coasting past Dolgopolov.

Best: Under 29.5 games ($1.91)

Jordan Thompson v Albert Ramos-Vinolas

Jordan made the most of it at Queen’s and after entering the main draw as a lucky loser he went on to beat Andy Murray before pushing Querrey to a 3rd and deciding set. He made the finals of a Challenger event on grass – losing to Sugita who went won his first ATP title in Antalya last week. The form line reads well and he takes on a Spaniard that does not enjoy playing on grass. Jordan is a born fighter are you will never see him throw away a set or even a game. He plays his best tennis on grass and most importantly knows how to take advantage of good shots by closing into the net. The Wolf has him getting through. Hopefully he will not be the lone Aussie in the second round.

Best: Thompson -2.5 ($1.85)

Martin Klizan v Novak Djokovic

Djokovic played in the week leading into Wimbledon for the first time since 2006! Winning in Eastbourne has to go down as a success despite the weak field. He was troubled at times but worked his way to the title without dropping a set. Klizan is coming off a retirement in Antalya and it leaves him vulnerable against an opponent that makes you work for every point. This shapes as nothing but a warm up for Djokovic. Klizan has lost in the opening round here for the last 4 years. He won’t trouble Novak but there will be trouble ahead for the Serbian according to The Wolf.

Best: Djokovic -8.5 ($1.73)

Feature Previews Record: 4-0