Wimbledon Day 1 Men’s Predictions Including Holger Rune vs Nicolas Jarry

Expect plenty of entertaining tennis on day one at the Championships with 32 matches on the schedule at the All England Club. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match, including Taylor Fritz vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, Frances Tiafoe vs Elmer Moller, Daniil Medvedev vs Benjamin Bonzi, Joao Fonseca vs Jacob Fearnley, Carlos Alcaraz vs Fabio Fognini, Matteo Berrettini vs Kamil Majchrzak, and Alexander Zverev vs Arthur Rinderknech. But who will advance at Wimbledon?

Wimbledon Day 1 Predictions

Holger Rune vs Nicolas Jarry

Jim: When Nicolas Jarry is at his best, as he was in reaching the main draw, it’s hard to understand how he ended up in the qualifying draw in the first place. At any rate, he certainly has the quality to test Holger Rune, who is hardly a model of consistency of himself. But right now, even after his efforts I coming through the qualifying, Jarry probably isn’t playing quite well enough to beat Rune, unless the Dane beats himself.

Prediction: Rune in 4

Damian: This is a dangerous draw for Rune. Jarry had a flawless qualifying campaign. Yes, his ranking has fallen off a cliff this year. But he’s got the kind of game where rhythm doesn’t really matter and it’s just about the big weapons clicking on the day. Rune has the tools to neutralize him, but is mercurial enough that this looks extremely tight.

Prediction: Rune in 5

Ilemona: This one could be a serving shootout if both find their rhythm early. Jarry has the firepower to do damage on grass, but he’s been inconsistent. If Rune keeps his focus, he’ll have chances to take control.

Lloyd Harris vs Zizou Bergs

Jim: This should be an entertaining match and one for the fans with a ground pass to enjoy. But Zizou Bergs has one real edge – fitness. Lloyd Harris remains a very fine player, but the South African’s body has repeatedly let him down whereas Bergs is increasingly establishing himself as a regular fixture on the ATP Tour.

Prediction: Bergs in 4

Damian: It was surprising to see Bergs produce a run to the Den Bosch final as he really wasn’t playing his best. But that just shows what sort of grass-court tools the Belgian possesses. This could be a great match, it’s just tough to say how fit Harris is right now. His struggles in the last few weeks make Bergs a definite favorite.

Prediction: Bergs in 4

Ilemona: Both have shown flashes on grass, and this feels like it could go either way. Harris has the experience, but Bergs plays with good energy and isn’t afraid to take risks. A few key points might decide it.

Prediction: Harris in 5

Luciano Darderi vs Roman Safiullin

Jim: Roman Safiullin hasn’t really managed to fulfil even the flashes of promise he has shown thus far in his career, but even so will come into this match as the favourite. Luciano Darderi doesn’t seem to have much aptitude for grass court tennis and the Russian should be able to bustle him off the court here.

Prediction: Safiullin in 3

Damian: Darderi’s one of the players who is making up the numbers during the grass-court swing rather than actually having the ambition to do something on the surface, and that’s fine. Safiullin, on the other hand, reached the quarterfinals here two years ago. Even if his form since has been up and down (and more towards the latter), he should pull through here.

Prediction: Safiullin in 4

Ilemona: Safiullin’s game fits the surface nicely, with a compact swing and good movement. Darderi’s more at home on clay, but he’s improved a lot this year. If Safiullin keeps things fast and flat, he’ll be in charge.

Shintaro Mochizuki vs Giulio Zeppieri

Jim: Like a number of his countrymen during this renaissance for Italian tennis (albeit with some notable exceptions), Giulio Zeppieri hasn’t managed to come to grips with grass-court tennis. Shintaro Mochizuki, in contrast, enjoyed the most famous moment of his fledgling career when he won the boys’ singles title here in 2019. He should have the beating of Zeppieri comfortably enough.

Prediction: Mochizuki in 3

Damian: Mochizuki won the junior event six years ago, but would often get overpowered in his pro appearances on grass. Things have changed this year with a ridiculous grass-court swing and he’s 10-2 on the surface this year. It’s certainly enough to make him the favourite in this all-qualifier clash with Zeppieri, who’s not half so dangerous at Wimbledon as he is at Roland Garros.

Prediction: Mochizuki in 4

Ilemona: Mochizuki is comfortable on grass and has the variety to keep rallies short. Zeppieri prefers longer exchanges, so styles will clash here. If Mochizuki can keep him off balance, he’ll have the upper hand.

Prediction: Mochizuki in 4