The third slam of the season is upon us as the third round of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships begins on Day 5. The All England Club draw has given us some scintillating Round 3 matchups, including No. 1 seed Jannik Sinner vs Miomir Kecmanovic. As always, we at LWOT have our roundtable predictions for all the Wimbledon action. Ateet, Jordan, and Vishakha offer their insights.
Wimbledon Day 5 Men’s Predictions
Tommy Paul vs Alexander Bublik
Ateet
Tommy Paul was the favourite to reach the quarterfinals from his section but the way he has played in the last two matches doesn’t look promising. Paul was pushed to the extreme by Otto Virtanen and Alexander Bublik can make his life hell if he plays at his best. Bublik can be too up and down but he can also produce magical moments. Paul has a slight edge, but this match can go either way.
Prediction: Paul in 5
Jordan
The contrast between these two in terms of style and demeanour is stark. Bublik is tough to beat on grass at his best, but I am backing Paul to do it. His solidity is capable of wearing Bublik down.
Prediction: Paul in 4
Vishakha
Bublik is aiming to reach the fourth round for the second year in a row. He went the distance in the first round but managed to secure a comfortable victory in three sets in the second. Tommy Paul, who won the Queen’s Club Championships less than two weeks ago has had to push himself to secure victories at Wimbledon, winning in gruelling four and five-set matches in the first two rounds. As they face each other for only the second time, their current form indicates that the upcoming match on Day 5 will be another closely contested encounter. Paul is likely to come out on top with Bublik posing sporadic resistance.
Prediction: Paul in 5
Grigor Dimitrov vs Gael Monfils
Ateet
Dimitrov was pushed to the limit against Juncheng Shang and at one point it looked like he would lose the match but he did well to turn it around. Dimitrov will hope for a better performance going forward and he won’t mind seeing Gael Monfils next. Monfils has dominated this match-up in the past but their last match came in 2016. Monfils is not the same player and Dimitrov is having a resurgence. This will be a fun match with lots of entertaining points but Dimitrov should win.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 4
Jordan
Monfils, despite mentioning in the past how little he likes playing on grass, has thrived on the surface so far this season. Dimitrov will need to play better than the last round, where he had to come back from two sets down. Despite that, I still trust the Bulgarian to raise his level and show his superior game on grass overall.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 4
Vishakha
Gael Monfils has advanced past the third round only once in 12 appearances at SW19. However, his current form is impressive, as he has dropped just one set in his first two matches and secured a notable victory over Stan Wawrinka in the second round. His good run extends to his recent performance at the Mallorca Championships, where he made the semis. Dimitrov has shown great consistency on grass throughout his career and is having a successful year so far. Although his first-round win was comfortable, he faced a tough challenge in the second round, coming back from two sets to love down. Despite Monfils holding a 4-1 lead in their head-to-head matchups, Dimitrov’s recent resurgence suggests he may edge out a win against the Frenchman in what promises to be an exhilarating battle between these experienced players.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 4
Ben Shelton vs Denis Shapovalov
Ateet
Both players played a tough five-setter in their second-round match and will hope for a better performance next. Especially, Shapovalov who was up two sets but surrendered the lead. It’s good to see both of these players finding some form on the biggest stage. Shelton has played two five-setters already so that is something Shapovalov can take advantage of. I am leaning slightly towards Shapovalov in this close affair.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 5
Jordan
Both players won dramatic five-set battles in the last round. Although returning Shelton’s serve may be an issue for Shapovalov, the Canadian is picked to win a tight match. Shelton has had drops in his level in all his contests on grass so far this season. That might finally catch up with him against a very capable grass-court player like Shapovalov.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 4
Vishakha
Shapovalov has exhibited a new level of confidence, evident by his recent victories over 19th seed Nicolas Jarry and Daniel Altmaier. On the other hand, Shelton has shown resilience, winning back-to-back hard-fought five-set matches. As they meet for the first time, it promises to be an electrifying battle between two big-hitting left-handed players and exceptional shotmakers. If Shapovalov can maintain his composure and avoid squandering leads as he did in his second-round match, he has a strong chance. However, if Shelton maintains unwavering focus, he could emerge victorious. His big serve and forehand will provide him with an advantage. Expect a close match with a possibility of multiple tiebreakers and a five-set showdown.
Prediction: Shelton in 5
Jannik Sinner vs Miomir Kecmanovic
Ateet
Jannik Sinner had to find his top level to win against the dangerous Matteo Berrettini. Sinner was down a break in the fourth set then played some of his best tennis of the match to avoid the fifth set. Kecmanovic played a great match to beat Tallon Griekspoor, a fantastic player. Kecmanovic won’t be easy but Sinner is already tested in his previous matches and he will be ready.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Jordan
Kecmanovic played very well to shock Tallon Griekspoor in the last round. However, there is nothing in his game to push Sinner like Matteo Berretini did in the last round. The Italian should progress comfortably.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Vishakha
After a rigorous test from 2021 finalist and compatriot Matteo Berrettini in the second round, Sinner will aim to keep this match a rather straightforward affair. Kecmanovic has demonstrated strong form on grass so far but has never won against Sinner in their three meetings. He will draw inspiration from his second-round ousting of 27th seed Tallon Griekspoor and run to the quarterfinals of Eastbourne International last week. But it is likely his Wimbledon campaign will come to an end against the World No.1 who is one of the main contenders to win this year.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Main Photo Credit: Peter van den Berg – USA TODAY Sports
