One time only (probably), match predictions are back en masse for the biggest day of the tennis year!

Predicted Winners in BOLD

[3] Rafael Nadal vs Joao Sousa

Rafa should win this match.  I think Sousa can make the match somewhat interesting in terms of individual points, but he is going to have to string a lot of those points together if he is going to even win a set.

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[2] Roger Federer vs [17] Matteo Berrettini

This could be a match to keep an eye on for fans.  Federer should win based on his year and his obvious experience advantage.  Still, Matteo is talented and rising in the rankings.

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[1] Novak Djokovic vs Ugo Humbert

Novak Djokovic is quietly progressing through his half of the draw.  On court things have been pretty much going according to form even if some press conference issues were raised.

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[8] Kei Nishikori vs Mikhail Kukushkin

Not predicting the big 3 makes this a different prediction for me.  I think Kei has played well to this point, but I also think Kukushkin has the right mix of power in his game to win this match.  In terms of potential upsets, this seems the most likely to me.

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[21] David Goffin vs Fernando Verdasco

This is close to a 50-50 match.  Goffin played so well in week 1 and at Halle.  That gives me the sense that his form will be strong enough to advance.  However, if Verdasco can push Goffin backwards in terms of court positioning, Verdasco should win.  Court positioning will be key.

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[15] Milos Raonic vs [26] Guido Pella

While the 2016 runner-up is probably the 4th most likely to leave Wimbledon with the trophy, it should be noted that the gap between the 3 most likely to win the title and Milos Raonic is pretty large.  Still, I think Milos will keep advancing and see where the chips fall in the final 8 and likely the final 4.

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Sam Querrey vs Tennys Sandgren

I would not want to face Querrey.  He is playing awfully well and looks very determined to show that 2017 was no fluke.

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[23] Roberto Bautista Agut vs [28] Benoit Paire

This again looks like a 50-50 match.  I think Paire’s variety helps, but it is a coin flip.

PS – I feel rusty at these bold the likely winner predictions.