Each day of the tournament, we'll preview and predict three must-see matches at Wimbledon.
RAFAEL NADAL [4] VS. JOHN MILLMAN
Nadal’s last match came in the French Open final; Millman’s came in the second round at the Ilkley Challenger. That should be enough to set the tone for the second contest on No. 1 Court on Monday. Nadal and Millman, a 28-year-old Australian ranked No. 120, have never played. Their first encounter will be interesting to most for what it says about Rafa’s chances on grass. The last time he played on the surface, in 2015, he lost in the second round here to Dustin Brown. Nadal’s level is much higher now than he was then, but we won’t have an idea of what that means at Wimbledon until he steps onto the court there.
Winner: Nadal
STAN WAWRINKA [5] VS. DANIIL MEDVEDEV
In taking a set from Novak Djokovic in a Davis Cup tie earlier this year, Medvedev, a 21-year-old Russian, showed that he’s a shotmaker—unorthodox, yes, but the timing is there. This summer he’s shown that his unorthodox style works best on grass. Medvedev reached the quarters in ’s-Hertogenbosch and Queen’s, and the semis in Eastbourne, where he lost to Djokovic again. He has never played Wawrinka, but he could pose a problem or two for the Swiss in their late match on Centre Court.
Winner: Wawrinka
