The third round begins on Friday, Day 3 at this year’s Wimbledon. As always, our writers share their thoughts on the matches. Predicting these matches are Damian Kust, Manan Mehta, and Ateet Shrivastava. We also predict the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article–including Carlos Alcaraz vs Jan-Lennard Struff. Who do you think will win?
Wimbledon Day 5 Men’s Predictions
Joao Fonseca vs Nicolas Jarry
Damian:
Jarry was the best performer in qualifying (only one on the men’s side who didn’t drop a set) and is also firing in the main draw. When he’s in such form, he’s tough to stop, and Fonseca has struggled against players whose massive serves are way more consistent than what he does on the court. But the talent of the youngster is so huge, maybe he still edges it?
Prediction: Fonseca in 5
Manan:
Jarry hasn’t had the best season but has looked a different player at Wimbledon with his big serving. His serving from the third set against Rune was outstanding and now will look to emulate that against another very solid baseliner. Fonseca has the game, but can he outlast his opponent in a long match and get crucial breaks will be interesting to see.
Prediction: Jarry in 5
Ateet:
Nicolas Jarry played his best match in a while to easily defeat Learner Tien in straight sets. He is in the third round for only the second time and will look to advance further this time. Joao Fonseca had a much tougher second-round match against Jenson Brooksby, but he was the better player and deservedly won in four sets. It will be interesting to see how he tackles Jarry’s serve.
Prediction: Fonseca in 5
Andrey Rublev vs Adrian Mannarino
Damian:
Rublev has been forced to fight for every win so far and this one probably won’t be that easy either. Mannarino got a massive boost of motivation when the grass-court swing began and his game is still so unpleasant to face in these conditions. But a 6th consecutive match (4th in the best-of-five format) might be a little too much for him right now.
Prediction: Rublev in 4
Manan:
It’s a great third round match up. Mannarino is a great slicer and Rublev is a great mover. Rublev has had to play a few tiebreaks so far and hasn’t been able to quiet down good serves. Mannarino has made life difficult by keeping the ball as low as he can.
Prediction: Rublev in 5
Ateet:
Andrey Rublev played a high-level match against Lloyd Harris in the second round and did well to win in four sets. Harris brought the heat behind his serve and played a great match, but Rublev was better in rallies and did not give anything away. He came to the net 26 times and won 23 of those points. He should win against Mannarino if he keeps playing like this.
Prediction: Rublev in 4
Karen Khachanov vs Nuno Borges
Damian:
Khachanov was not the better player against Mochizuki on Wednesday, but managed to grind out the win. That’s what the Russian does and this could be another strong Slam run for him coming a touch out of nowhere. Borges isn’t going to venture to the net 90 times like his previous opponent did; he’ll play more into what Khachanov wants.
Prediction: Khachanov in 4
Manan:
It’s an old school baseliner vs big server battler. Khachanov has done well to earn a few free points so far and that is the way to go about in this game too. Borges has kept the ball in play for longer and will look to hunt down the Khachanov serve. Khachanov is also a great mover on the court and will hold advantage here.
Prediction: Khachanov in 4
Ateet:
Karen Khachanov played one of his worst matches in recent times and was almost punished for it. However, he is still in the draw and that’s what matters at the end of the day. He will need to put up a better performance against Nuno Borges, who is playing the best grass-court tennis of his career. I expect an improved performance from the Russian player.
Prediction: Khachanov in 4
Taylor Fritz vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Damian:
Fritz had a draw from hell, but it’s sort of clearing up now. Not that Davidovich Fokina is easy, he’s been very consistent this season. But it’s at least an opponent that isn’t as explosive as Diallo or Mpetshi Perricard and while their Eastbourne match last week was close, this could be where the American starts getting through a bit more comfortably.
Prediction: Fritz in 4
Manan:
Fritz was almost knocked out in the very first round. He has made a remarkable recovery to win another five setter after his first round heroic. He will really have to back his serve to hit lines here. Davidovich Fokina is a serious baseliner and a work horse who won’t mind taking it deep to tire the American out.
Prediction Davidovich Fokina in 5
Ateet:
Taylor Fritz was involved in another five-set thriller as Gabriel Diallo played a fantastic match and pushed the American to the limit. It came down to the wire, and the difference proved to be Fritz’s ability to make some great returns in the fifth set and outlast Diallo from the baseline. Fritz has another tough match against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, and he might need to dig deep again to get the win.
Prediction: Fritz in 5
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
