Wimbledon Day 1 Men’s Predictions Including Joao Fonseca vs Jacob Fearnley

There should be plenty of entertaining tennis for the fans on day one at Wimbledon. As always, 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, Carlos Alcaraz vs Fabio Fognini, Holger Rune vs Nicolas Jarry, Matteo Berrettini vs Kamil Majchrzak, and Alexander Zverev vs Arthur Rinderknech. But who will reach the second round at the Championships?

Wimbledon Day 1 Predictions

Joao Fonseca vs Jacob Fearnley

Jim: Joao Fonseca got off the mark on a grass court last week in Eastbourne, and backed that up by pushing eventual champion Taylor Fritz in a tight three-setter. Can he back that up against Jacob Fearnley at the All England Club? It’s certainly not unthinkable for a player of Fonseca’s talent, but Fearnley has plenty of talent of his own and, at this stage of their respective careers, that much more comfort and confidence on a grass court.

Prediction: Fearnley in 4

Damian: This is such a brutal draw as both are among the best unseeded players in the field. Fonseca will be improving rapidly over the next months and Fearnley has gotten himself to a very solid Top 50ish level since his breakthrough during the grass swing last year. Let’s go with the firepower of the Brazilian, but this is very tough.

Prediction: Fonseca in 5

Ilemona: Both are young and still finding their way on the big stage, so nerves might play a role. Fonseca has the bigger game, but Fearnley’s been solid in recent weeks and will have the advantage of playing on home turf. This one could swing either way if it gets tight.

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Brandon Holt

Jim: Brandon Holt clearly has a bright future – which is no great surprise given his pedigree. But Alejandro Davidovich Fokina is a much better player than the American in the here and now. With Holt also having to reckon with the pressures of a Wimbledon, it would be no great surprise if this proves to be a straightforward day at the office for Davidovich Fokina.

Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 3

Damian: Holt will break the top 100 on Monday and it’s pretty remarkable the jump he made this year while seemingly only improving his game and becoming more aggressive by like 5% (but in most aspects). While he’s troubled Davidovich Fokina in the past, you’d expect the Spaniard’s superior ability and variety to grant him the win here.

Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 4

Ilemona: Davidovich Fokina can be unpredictable, but his talent isn’t in question. Holt will need to serve big and stay focused, especially in the longer exchanges. If Fokina stays locked in, he should control the match.

Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 4

Karen Khachanov vs Mackenzie McDonald

Jim: A tough first-round draw for both, but for Mackenzie McDonald most of all. He has a good record at Wimbledon but a very poor one against Karen Khachanov. The Russian should be the man to reach the second round.

Prediction: Khachanov in 3

Damian: They just played in s‘-Hertogenbosch with McDonald coming very close to posting his first win against Khachanov but ultimately falling to a fifth defeat in as many meetings. The American’s attacking tennis with flat groundstrokes can be a serious threat on grass and if he’s going to get that first win somewhere, it should be on this surface. It’s just tough to back him to do it.

Prediction: Khachanov in 4

Ilemona: McDonald moves well and keeps things steady, which can be effective on grass. Khachanov has more power, but his form’s been hit-or-miss. This could go long if McDonald keeps absorbing pressure.

Pablo Carreno Busta vs Chris Rodesch

Jim: Pablo Carreno Busta’s dreadful record at Wimbledon is something of a surprise given the Spaniard’s consistency and success elsewhere. But clearly the quick, low-bouncing courts at Wimbledon throw him off his rhythm. Given he is no longer the force he once was, and that Chris Rodesch looked sharp in coming through the qualifying, this looks like it has the makings of another frustrating first-round outing in SW19 for Carreno Busta.

Prediction: Rodesch in 3

Damian: Carreno Busta has never won a match at Wimbledon, leaving this as a perhaps final opportunity. Rodesch on the other hand will be playing a Grand Slam main draw for the first time and might feel the pressure. But if he produces a level like in qualifying (probably the toughest path with Matteo Gigante/Mark Lajal/Marton Fucsovics), he could stop the Spaniard at SW19 again.

Prediction: Rodesch in 4

Ilemona: Carreno Busta is still working his way back after a long layoff, and grass isn’t his best surface. Rodesch is inexperienced at this level, but he’ll have nothing to lose. If Carreno Busta’s rusty, things could get uncomfortable.

Prediction: Rodesch in 5