Three to See: Wimbledon Day 4

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By Niall Clarke

  • Three to see for Wimbledon Day Four
  • Madison Keys vs Kirsten Flipkens
  • Grigor Dimitrov vs Gilles Simon
  • Elina Svitolina vs Yaroslava Shvedova

LONDON, ENGLAND – Madison Keys faces tricky grass court specialist Kirsten Flipkens in the pick of the day four’s three to see at Wimbledon.

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(9) Madison Keys vs Kirsten Flipkens- H2H: 1-1

Many are touting Keys for perhaps a title winning run at Wimbledon, but standing in her way is tricky Dutchwoman Flipkens who knows her way around the grass.

Flipkens is a former Wimbledon semi finalist in her own right and has had some good results on the grass during her career. Recently she defeated 2015 Wimbledon finalist Garbine Muguruza in her run to the semi finals of the Mallorca open.

Keys on the other hand won her second title in Birmingham that week and comes into Wimbledon in red hot form. The American certainly has the game to go all the way at SW19, but does she have the mind to deal with the pressure?

The head to head reads 1-1 but this is their first grass court meeting. Keys will no doubt rely on her power to see her through, but Flipkens’ variety could make things difficult. That said, the ninth seed will likely advance to the third round.

Prediction: Keys in 3

(16) Gilles Simon vs Grigor Dimitrov- H2H: 5-1 Simon

Despite lacking form and confidence heading into the Championships, Dimitrov is still one of the more dangerous unseeded players in the draw. The Bulgarian is a former Wimbledon semi finalist and Queen’s champion, so he has the game to succeed on grass.

However, his head to head with Simon does not make for good reading. The Frenchman leads 5-1 with two victories on the grass. Dimitrov has struggled with the consistency and defence the 16th seed possesses , but can he find the answer he needs this time?

It is a hard match to call and that is what makes it interesting. It’s a clash of styles and that always provides entertaining, but who will win? The match will come down to how well Dimitrov plays. He has a 1-0 lead after rain stopped play, but there is plenty of tennis yet to be played. The Bulgarian’s form and his struggles with Simon can not be ignored, and that is why Simon will likely advance in an epic.

Prediction: Simon in 5

(17) Elina Svitolina vs Yaroslava Shvedova- H2H: First meeting

Whenever Wimbledon rolls around there are certain names seeded players want to avoid – Shvedova is one of them. The Kazakh has fond memories here, including a golden set. Will she be able to spring another surprise by upsetting Svitolina?

The 17th seed has been highly touted for many years to be a top player for the future. Despite displaying good consistency for the past two seasons, Svitolina has yet to make a serious breakthrough despite some good results. Grass has not proven to be her best surface, but she has the game to succeed anywhere.

Shvedova on the other hand has been the exact opposite. A player of great talent, the Kazakh has not lived up to the potential many saw in her. Shvedova is inconsistent, but when she is on she is as good as anyone on the tour and has some big wins under her belt. The 28 year old is a dangerous floater in any draw and can cause upsets on any surface.

Svitolina is the favourite, but you never know when Shvedova will hit form. The Kazakh is naturally a good grass courter and will cause many problems if firing. This could be a difficult match for the 17th seed, so expect shocked to see an upset.

Prediction: Shvedova in 3

Play continues on the outside courts at 11am, and on the show courts at 1pm BST.

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