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With no rain on the radar for the first time this week, we can hold high hopes of a full day of round two action. But first, we still have some round one matches to finish. Zhizhen Zhang takes on Botic van de Zandschulp as both have been iced for multiple days. Then, we will move onto the second round and hold the potential match of the day between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andy Murray.
Here are my picks and analysis for both.
Note: Match times are subject to change. Read here for tips on viewing Wimbledon matches.
Botic van de Zandschulp vs Zhizhen Zhang
6 a.m. ET
In the fast-paced world of tennis, the mental aspect is just as critical as the physical. The upcoming duel between van de Zandschulp and Zhang brings this into stark relief. Zhang, the underdog, looks poised to upset his better-ranked adversary, contrary to popular prediction.
Van de Zandschulp is an accomplished player on grass with a fourth round appearance at Wimbledon, a strong serve and net play. However, tennis is as much a mental game as it is about skill and technique. After squandering a double break lead in the third set against Holger Rune in the Munich final, the Dutchman's mental state has been under scrutiny. His subsequent five straight losses hint at a player who is yet to recover psychologically from that Munich debacle.
On the other hand, Zhang has shown a newfound affinity for the surface. His powerful serve, bolstered by his towering frame, can be particularly effective on the faster grass courts. More importantly, he comes into the match brimming with confidence, having a career year thus far.
Zhang seems to have a newly built comfort on grass, coupled with his powerful serve and boosted confidence, that provides a stark contrast to van de Zandschulp's faltering mental state. It's clear that Zhang has the momentum on his side, a factor that can often be a match-decider in such tight contests.
While van de Zandschulp may have the skill advantage on grass, it is important to remember that tennis matches are won as much in the mind as they are on the court. Given the Dutchman's recent mental woes, it is not unthinkable that Zhang could capitalize on his opponent's vulnerability.
In the battle between Zhang's confidence and van de Zandschulp's recent mental instability, I'm placing my bets on Zhang. Tennis is a sport of fine margins, and in this case, Zhang's burgeoning confidence may just give him the edge needed to pull off the upset.
Pick: Zhang ML (+125 via DraftKings)
Andy Murray vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
11:45 a.m. ET
The forthcoming second round Wimbledon match between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andy Murray promises to be a thrilling contest. Despite Tsitsipas coming in as the underdog against the two-time Wimbledon champion, I'm placing my bets on the Greek sensation to clinch this match.
Yes, Murray won back-to-back Challenger titles on grass. However, his performance in his loss against Alex de Minaur left much to be desired. His recent victory over Ryan Peniston may have boosted confidence, but let's remember that Peniston, despite his potential, was an ideal matchup for Murray, given his style and relative lack of experience on the Grand Slam stage. The Murray hype train seems to have gained considerable momentum, but I argue it's overpriced.
Meanwhile, Tsitsipas just emerged from a grueling five-setter against Dominic Thiem. Early in tournaments, getting a feel for the courts is crucial and can be a stepping stone towards deeper runs. At 24, with his remarkable athleticism, Tsitsipas is unlikely to let fatigue from his first round match play a significant role in the upcoming match.
Tsitsipas may not have had the best lead-up to Wimbledon, looking out of sorts on the grass courts, but his recent win over Thiem signals a return to form. Remember, it was just last year when he demonstrated an improved understanding and adaptation to the demands of grass court tennis.
So, why bet on Tsitsipas? He's a player in ascension, with the hunger to push beyond his current boundaries. He's proven he can battle it out in long, tough matches and come out on top. Yes, Murray beat Tsitsipas on grass last year, but over a best-of-five match in an underdog role, I will put my trust in the Greek.
As we look towards this exciting round two match-up, the smart money may just be on the underdog. Expect Tsitsipas to leverage his athleticism, adaptability, and recent feel of the grass courts to pull off an "upset" against Murray.
Pick: Tsitsipas ML (+125 via FanDuel)
