It wasn’t quite as straightforward as it looked on paper, but by and large, the status quo reigned on women’s quarterfinals day. Now it’s the men’s turn, and well, it’s even harder to escape that feeling of inevitability.
Each member of the big three is here and ready to go, with only one match sure to give us a surprise semifinalist. Of course, that doesn’t mean the others won’t, it’s just we’ve seen this particular production too many times before to expect otherwise.
In any case, there should be plenty of quality on display, and let’s be honest, it’s the Wimbledon quarterfinals — you’re not missing it! Read on for a preview of all the action.
Novak Djokovic (SRB) [1] v David Goffin (BEL) [21] – First on Centre Court
A match that features two baseliners with two of the sweetest two-handed backhands on tour, what could possibly be more “Wimbledon” than Novak Djokovic versus David Goffin? Well, a lot of matchups, I suppose, but hey, such is the tale of modern tennis. Unfortunately for Goffin, his chances of actually giving Djokovic any serious trouble are slim to none, with the Serb holding a 5-1 advantage in the head-to-head and a decisive advantage on serve that should really tell, even on this particular iteration of grass. Still, Goffin is definitely capable of trading blows with the Serb on occasion, and while he will be hard-pressed to win more than a set, he should be able to make it fun while it lasts.
Guido Pella (ARG) [26] v Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) [23] – First on No. 1 Court
Probably not the guys many tipped to come out of this particular quarter, in Guido Pella and Roberto Bautista Agut we’ve got a matchup you’d think was happening at Roland Garros, not Wimbledon. Possibly the hardest match to predict of today’s bunch, ‘RBA’ comes in with a 2-0 head-to-head advantage and a game that with his flatter groundstrokes is generally more tailored to faster surfaces, yet Pella has just knocked-off Kevin Anderson and Milos Raonic – two of the tour’s best grass court players – in succession, so he certainly has a chance here. How this one goes will be largely dependent on how much pressure RBA can put on the Pella serve – if he can attack it as he has done in the past, this could be quick, if Pella withstands the pressure, he’ll be able to go toe-to-toe in rallies and stand a legitimate chance – either way, there’s no shortage of possible outcomes for this one.
Kei Nishikori (JPN) [8] v Roger Federer (SUI) [2] – Second on Centre Court
Featuring the poster boy for Uniqlo… and Roger Federer, this matchup between Kei Nishikori and the Swiss maestro is both a great marketing opportunity for the Japanese company, and an exciting match in prospect. Boasting a 7-3 head-to-head advantage, Federer naturally has every reason to expect he can keep his Wimbledon campaign going, but as Nishikori showed last year in his win at the tour finals, and in his five-set loss at the ’17 Australian Open, he is definitely capable of taking it to the Swiss occasion. Whether he can do it here will come down to how well he exploits the backhand-to-backhand matchup – if Nishikori can use it to create net approaches and other opportunities to be aggressive, he has a chance, otherwise, Federer will make quick work of him.
Rafael Nadal (ESP) [3] v Sam Querrey (USA) – Second on No. 1 Court
Do ya feel lucky punk? Not only an iconic Clint Eastwood quote, it’s also the best way to sum up Sam Querrey’s chances when he squares off with Rafa Nadal. Only victorious once in five meetings with the Spaniard, Querrey certainly doesn’t have the odds in his favour, but given the surface, plus his height, serve, and forehand, you have to give him a chance. Of course, there’s been a lot of talk this fortnight about the courts playing significantly slower, and if the American isn’t able to hit through the court as easily, Nadal could make short work of him — although the way Rafa’s been playing recently, he might do so regardless. In any case, whether Nadal dissects Querrey or the latter out-hits the former, it should be a highly explosive encounter.
