Manic Monday

Wimbledon has a tradition of keeping the middle Sunday as a rest day for two reasons. One, because of its proximity to the Wimbledon village so as to allow the residents to have a peaceful Sunday away from the hustle and bustle of fans who troop down to SW19 to catch a glimpse of the action. Two, because the organisers recognise the need to allow grass (the only live surface on which tennis is played) to recover after 6 days of relentless action. The need for grass to rest is even more this year as unlike previous years the grass has a faded green tinge to it compared to the lush green lawns we have grown accustomed to seeing during the 1st week.

The end result is that the 2nd Monday sees all the 16 round of 16 matches(8 each in men’s and women's singles) slotted in for Monday. (In Australia, France and USA the top half of the draw sees their round of 16 clashes played on Sunday, which leaves only 8 matches for the 2nd Monday. )
Manic Monday right? In my opinion, the 2nd Monday is the best day for someone to have tickets to watch the action at Wimbledon. This year is the 1st time since 2014 and only the 2nd time since 2011 that all members of The Big 4 will take to the court of the 2nd Monday.

 With London being London imagine the scheduling nightmare should the rain gods decide to visit SW19.

This year's Manic Monday on the men's side has blockbuster clashes like:-

Andy Murray vs Benoît Paire

Andy Murray has waltzed through his first three matches with the loss of just 1 set. He was errant against Fabio Fognini but managed to raise his game when it mattered most and saved 5 set points to avoid being taken to a fifth set. Benoît Paire is just lucky to be here and should make the most of his few minutes of fame as he has a date with the World. No.1 on Wimbldeon’s centre court.

Prediction: Murray to win in straight sets

 Rafael Nadal vs Gilles Müller

Rafael Nadal is in the form of his life. He has won the last 29 sets he has played in Grand Slam competitions. Gilles Müller is having is best year on tour and has made the semi finals at Queens and won the tournament in Holland. He is serving like a machine. His groundstrokes are not his best weapon but he will have to be ready for shots that wouldn't come back had it been anyone else across the net.

Expect a Nadal straight sets win, unless Gilles Müller has a serving masterclass and can raise his game in the tie breaks.

 Novak Djokovic vs Adrian Mannarino

Novak Djokovic has seemingly rediscovered the hunger and competitive spirit that seemed missing from his game for the past 12 months. Adrian Mannarino had a tough match against Gaël Monfils to reach this stage, but to progress further would be an absolute miracle.

Djokovic to advance in straight sets.

Grigor Dimitrov vs Roger Federer

This match is the toughest to call. Roger Federer hasn't been playing like he did in Australia, Indian Wells and Miami. He seems to be struggling and is hitting a slice backhand. His flat backhand seems to be meeting the net more often than not. In Grigor Dimitrov he faces an opponent who was nicknamed Baby Federer and is now looking a younger version of the Swiss Maestro himself. Dimitrov, a former semi finalist at Wimbledon has reached the last 16 losing just 18 games. Federer on the other hand has lost 28 games. The young Bulgarian has never beaten Federer and based on current form this could be his best chance of ending that run.

Too tough to call this one. Expect a 4 or 5 setter.

 Milos Raonic vs Alexander Zverev

A finalist last year, Milos Raonic of Canada takes on the man touted to be tennis’ next superstar. Alexander Zverev is making his first appearance in the 2^nd week of a Grand Slam, but despite being 20, he isn’t a kid who has had a lucky first week and should just be glad to be here. He is the only man apart from Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to win a Master 1000 title this season. Zverev is at home on the grass and has a good forehand, backhand and serve. If he can return Milos Raonic’s bullet serves, expect the Canadian to struggle.

This one is tough to call. Expect a 4 setter.

Marin Čilić vs Roberto Bautista Agut

Dominic Thiem vs Tomáš Berdych

Kevin Anderson vs Sam Querry

 On the women's side we have

Angelique Kerber vs Garbine Muguruza

The world No.1 and 2016 Wimbledon runner up takes on the 2015 runner up. With Serena Williams out of action many expected the German to grab the opportunity to consolidate her position atop the WTA rankings. Early departures in Melbourne and Paris have given the WTA tour the belief that it won’t be a one woman show. Kerber was on the brink of elimination in the previous round, she will have to play well right from the moment the referee yells out play. Based on form, it’s looking unlikely. But grass is Kerber’s favourite surface, whereas Muguruza prefers the slower clay courts.

Tough to call. Expect a 3 setter

Caroline Garcia vs Johanna Konta

This match should see the home favourite Johanna Konta march into the Quarter finals without a massive test.

Konta in straight sets

Victoria Azarenka vs Simona Halep

What a return it has been for Victoria Azarenka! After a year out of the game, the Belarusian has made it to the second week of Wimbledon having played only 5 matches since making her return to tennis. Standing between her and the last 8 is World no.2 Simona Halep, who will pose the toughest test on paper for the 2 time Grand Slam Champion. Victoria Azarenka will have nothing to lose here. On paper it’s World No.2 vs World No.683. On court it should be worthy of a final.

Halep to win in 3 sets

Ana Konjuh vs Venus Williams

9 years back Venus Williams won her 5^th Wimbledon title. With her sister Serena missing the tournament, Venus is the one with the most Grand Slam titles under her belt. She has the experience to get through these rounds. Like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer on the men’s side, Venus Williams has been experiencing a career renaissance this year. Ana Konjuh earned her spot in the 4th round by knocking out the World No.9 Dominika Cibulkova, but to pull off two upsets in a row could be tough.

Williams should win this one in 3 sets

Coco Vandeweghe vs Caroline Wozniacki

Agnieszka Radwańska vs Svetlana Kuznetsova

Jelena Ostapenko vs Elina Svitolina

Magdelena Rybarikova vs Petra Martic