We’re in for 32 great women’s matches on the first day of Wimbledon on Monday. We’ll see players ranging from world No. 2 Coco Gauff to qualifiers ranked outside the Top 100. As always, here at LastWordOnTennis, we’ll be sharing our thoughts on all of the matches. We’ve broken down all 32 matches into eight articles. Our other articles feature Coco Gauff vs. Caroline Dolehide, Victoria Azarenka vs. Sloane Stephens, Naomi Osaka vs. Diane Parry, Mirra Andreeva vs. Brenda Fruhvirtova, Aryna Sabalenka vs. Emina Bektas, Bianca Andreescu vs. Jaqueline Cristian, and Emma Navarro vs. Qiang Wang. Jordan Reynolds, Steen Kirby, and Yesh Ginsburg predict these matches. Who do you think will win?
Wimbledon Day 1 Predictions
Maria Sakkari vs McCartney Kessler
Jordan:
After a very promising start under new coach David Witt, Sakkari has lost her last three matches in the first round. Some old weaknesses have shown up in those defeats, although hopefully she won’t panic after a few setbacks. This is a good draw for the Greek against Kessler, who is playing in her first Wimbledon main draw. Sakkari should be able to end her losing streak.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Rock :
A former star player at the University of Florida, Kessler makes her Grand Slam debut as a qualifier and moves closer to the top 100 for the first time in her career. The American is thriving, but Maria Sakkari, who is 19-12 this year and a former top 5 player, 22-20 in her career on grass, should use her experience to secure victory in the first round.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Yes :
It’s too early to tell what Kessler’s potential is. It could be quite high. Regardless, she’s not at the level to face Sakkari right now.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Alison Van Uytvanck vs Yulia Starodubtseva
Jordan:
Van Uytvanck has not been in the best of form for a while. But she has a good record on grass, with a fourth round under her belt at this tournament. She may still have enough quality to overcome Stardoubtseva, who will be playing her first match in the main draw at Wimbledon.
Prediction: Van Uytvanck in 2
Rock :
Van Uytvanck hasn’t been a major factor on the WTA Tour since 2019. She’s in the draw because she won an ITF grass-court tournament in the UK and earned her entry. Starodubtseva earned a main-draw appearance the old-fashioned way, by going through qualifying. Neither player is a world champion, but Starodubtseva is an up-and-comer, 2023 has been a big year for the former NCAA standout on the ITF Tour. The Ukraine native made her Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open and is showing big improvements in her game, Starodubtseva still has potential here.
Prediction: Starodubtseva in 3
Yes :
Van Uytvanck is at the end of her career and has been listless for a long time. Despite this, she is a grass-court specialist who will hopefully have another good run at Wimbledon.
Prediction: Van Uytvanck in 3
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Anca Todoni vs Olga Danilovic
Jordan:
Elisabetta Cocciaretto’s withdrawal gave Danilovic a chance to get caught. She and 19-year-old qualifier Todoni will see this as a great opportunity to secure a Grand Slam main draw win. Despite her qualifying loss, Danilovic’s power gives her a good chance of progressing against Todoni.
Prediction: Danilovic in 2
Rock :
Todoni has qualified and the 20-year-old is at a career-high ranking; 2023 and 2024 have been fruitful years on the ITF circuit for the Romanian. Danilovic reached a career-high ranking just inside the Top 100 last season, she has yet to make a giant leap up the rankings and is in the draw as a lucky loser from qualifying. Todoni is another example of a player with potential.
Prediction: Todoni in 3
Yes :
Todoni qualified here and was impressive. Danilovic was good in qualifying, but not as impressive. That’s what makes the difference for me here right now.
Prediction: Todoni in 3
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Paula Badosa vs. Karolina Muchova
Jordan:
Hopefully Muchova is physically ready for this match. She had to retire in the quarter-final at Eastbourne due to the same wrist injury that affected the Czech. At her best, Muchova is a better grass court player than Badosa. But the uncertainty around Muchova and the rust she will always have will give the advantage to the Spaniard.
Prediction: Badosa in 2
Rock :
Muchova is slowly returning from wrist surgery and has barely played this season. The former top 10 player is in uncertain form, although she began her return to the tour with a quarter-final at Eastbourne on grass, and she has had some success on grass in the past. Badosa also just played a quarter-final on grass and has a 13-12 record this season, a rather mediocre record. With Badosta not being an elite player on this surface, Muchova’s game is a little better suited and she should win.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
Yes :
Badosa was world number 2 a few years ago and her fall was brutal. Muchova, on the other hand, is one of the best in the world if she is healthy. I don’t know how healthy she is, but I guess if she is playing, she thinks she is fit enough.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
