Wimbledon Men’s Quarterfinal Preview
It’s quarterfinal time in the men’s draw of Wimbledon, featuring three players that have won 13 of the last 15 Wimbledon titles. Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic and defending champion Roger Federer are all looking to bag a place in the last four, alongside Juan Martin Del Potro, Kei Nishikori, Kevin Anderson, Milos Raonic and John Isner.
Can any of the big guns be ousted?
Roger Federer v Kevin Anderson
Roger Federer edges ever closer to a ninth title at SW19, when he takes on the big serving South African Kevin Anderson. The Swiss has a 4-0 record against Anderson, although this will be the first time the pair have faced on grass.
Federer is currently on a remarkable run having not lost a set at Wimbledon since the semifinal loss to Raonic back in 2016, 33 consecutive sets to be precise.
He really has looked supreme during this campaign and I expect Anderson won’t offer much resistance on his way to yet another semifinal, where he will face the winner of Isner v Raonic.
While in this kind of irresistible form, perhaps look at another straight sets win for the Swiss who has won 18-tounaments on grass alone to Anderson’s 4-career titles!
Roger Federer vs Adrian Mannarino 4R Highlights
Milos Raonic v John Isner
In a battle of the big servers, 2016 Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic takes on John Isner. The American may have a 3-1 head-to-head record, however Raonic came out on top in their last meeting back at the Cincinnati Masters in 2016.
Both will rely heavily on their massive serves and power hitting from the baseline, however Raonic is a better player on grass and has the distinction of being the last player to have beaten Federer at Wimbledon.
This one could go five sets with the Canadian favourite to win at 23/5, setting up a possible repeat of that that 2016 semifinal win over the Swiss.
Milos Raonic defeats Mackenzie McDonald in four sets
Novak Djokovic v Kei Nishikori
Three-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic has looked back to his best after a long injury lay-off and now takes on Kei Nishikori who has only won two of their previous 15-meetings, although this will be their first meeting on grass.
The Japanese superstar has a game well equipped for all surfaces, although he will have to be on the top of it if he is to halt a resurgent Djokovic and advance through to his first Wimbledon semifinal.
This is certainly within reach for Nishikori at 3/1, however I suspect that the Serbian will deliver the goods over four sets at 5/2.
Novak Djokovic vs Karen Khachanov 4R Highlights
Rafa Nadal v Juan Martin Del Potro
This is another intriguing clash between the 2009 US Open Champion Del Potro and the two-time Wimbledon Champion Nadal. The good news is that both players look in perfect health despite suffering from injuries over recent years, and knowing their respective power games from the baseline, we should be in for a real treat.
At first glance Nadal’s 10-5 head-to-head record against the Argentine would suggest that this is his to lose, however on closer inspection, four of Nadal’s victories have come on clay, his best surface and Del Potro’s worst.
This unquestionably levels the playing field on the grass courts of SW19, so don’t be surprised if Del Potro does the business at 2/1 and follows up his 2013 semifinal run.
Rafael Nadal vs Jiri Vesely 4R Highlights
SPORTSvox.com Prediction
Federer to take on Raonic in a repeat of their 2016 semifinal and Nadal and Djokovic to go head-to-head for a 52nd time and first at Wimbledon since 2011.
