Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the ATP Wimbledon match.
Botic van de Zandschulp
The Dutchman caused a stir by eliminating Matteo Arnaldi, though it’s hard to call that match high-quality. The two players combined for 81 unforced errors and 11 double faults. Van de Zandschulp benefited from a psychological collapse on the Italian’s part, but that kind of win won’t be enough against Fokina. While Botic did beat him on grass last year and may appear more composed at the moment, his record against top-50 opponents is worrying — just four wins in 20 matches.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Davidovich Fokina, by contrast, looks far more composed. He cruised past Brandon Holt in straight sets, hitting 11 aces and winning 80% of points on his first serve, stepping up decisively when it mattered most. This season, Alejandro has won 8 of 11 matches against players over 28. He also leads their head-to-head (3-1), including a win on grass last year. The Spaniard mixes up his game smartly, doesn't rush the rallies, and targets his opponent’s weaknesses with precision.
Botic van de Zandschulp vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina Prediction
Davidovich Fokina should close this one out comfortably. Van de Zandschulp is unlikely to keep pace physically, and his serve will come under pressure. The smart bet is on the Spaniard to win with a solid margin.