Each day during Wimbledon, we'll preview three must-see matches—and give our predictions.
On paper, this one looks routine. In four matches with Bellucci, Nadal has yet to drop a set. But three of those were on clay; the one that wasn’t came at Wimbledon in 2012, and while Rafa won in straights, Bellucci pushed him to a tiebreaker in the first set. It seems like Bellucci, a hard-hitting lefty with a two-handed backhand, should give Nadal more trouble than he has. Maybe now that Rafa isn’t in world-beating form, and Bellucci has spent the last few months striking he ball well, he will. Winner: Nadal
There aren’t many upset alerts when a Top 10 player is in the opening round at a Grand Slam. This doesn’t qualify as one either, but it does qualify as a match to keep an eye on. Berdych, a former Wimbledon finalist currently ranked No. 6, is 3-0 against the 28-year-old Chardy. But the Frenchman is No. 38 in the world, which means he’s one of the best opponents Berdych could have faced to start his tournament. And Berdych has lost in this round here before, to Ernests Gulbis in 2012. If Ernests can do it, why not Jeremy? Or anyone else? Winner: Berdych
It’s ranking vs. form here. If we go by ranking, Cornet is the clear favorite. The Frenchwoman is No. 27, and at 25 years old, she’s in her prime. The 17-year-old Konjuh, on the other hand, is just getting started on what could be an outstanding career. She’s ranked 55th, but that number may soon go lower. While Cornet was losing in the first round to Christina McHale and Alison Riske in her grass-court tune-ups in Birmingham and Eastbourne, Konjuh was winning her first title, in Nottingham. It won’t be her last. Winner: Cornet