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Wimbledon: Top half, Djokovic quarter analysis

By Geoff Nichols

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Wimbledon: Top half, Djokovic quarter analysis

Reigning Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic may well have raised a smile when he read the draw for this years tournament. After receiving a difficult path at the French Open, the world number one will be incredibly heartened by the sight of the rest of the Big Four in the other half of the draw.

The top half of the draw will get play underway on Monday and there are certainly a few match ups in the opening round to keep an eye on. Aside from Djokovic, Kei Nishikori is the next highest seed in this quarter of the draw, although he has never been beyond the fourth round and is struggling with a calf injury.

Selected First Round Matches

Djokovic 1 (SER) v Kohlschreiber (GER)

According the the numbers, this is the worst possible draw for Djokovic, as Kohlschreiber is number 33 in the world, one place off being a seed. The German pushed Federer to three sets in Halle last week and is a difficult test for last year’s champion.

The two men will contest the first match on Centre Court on Monday and if there are any nerves from Djokovic, Kohlschreiber is the kind of player that has the game to capitalise. However, his career has been lacking in big wins against top tier opponents and Djokovic will be the heavy favourite.

Mayer 24 (ARG) v Kokkinakis (AUS)

Kokkinakis was one of the Australian young guns that people were searching for when the draw was made. He faces a seed in the first round, but in Mayer it is not the worst case scenario. Kokkinakis looked tired at Queens, but ought to be refreshed after a week off and will back himself to make this a tight match.

Bolelli (ITA) v Nishikori 5 (JPN)

Down the years Nishikori has been no stranger to early exits from major events and his record at Wimbledon isn’t stellar. Bolelli on his day can be a real handful, especially if he is in the mood. This could be a major upset if Nishikori isn’t 100% and the draw could open up even more for Djokovic.

Possible Second Round Matches

Djokovic 1 (SER) v Hewitt (AUS)

If this match happens I am not expecting it to be a close match, but more a spectacle of Wimbledon champions past and present. Hewitt is a fighter, but would have nowhere near the weapons sufficient to Djokovic, who wouldn’t need to exit second gear to dispatch the Australian.

Anderson 14 (SA) v Janowicz (POL)

This is an early potential banana skin for Anderson, who showed his quality on the grass at Queens. Janowicz was a semi finalist in 2013, but his career his been in limbo since then. Fond memories of SW19 might boost his concentration and make for a thrilling second round match between two huge servers.

Projected Third Round Matches

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Djokovic 1 (SER) v Tomic 27 (AUS)

This third round encounter really highlights what a nice draw Djokovic has been given. Tomic may well have started this year in impressive fashion, but he has never really made in roads at a Grand Slam and is a long way off beating the top guys over five sets.

Mayer 24 (ARG) v Anderson 14 (SA)

If seedings are to be believed, this is the match we will see, but both men have a difficult path to get to the end of the way in tact. Anderson may well have built up a head of steam by this point and would be favourite to set a meeting with the world number one in the fourth round.

Cilic 9 (CRO) v Isner 17 (US)

I think Cilic will have a good event and he will fancy his chances against Isner, who is unlikely to get much traction in the Croatian’s service game. The lull that many players experience after winning their first major should be over and Cilic’ game is suited to grass.

Cuevas 28 v Nishikori 5 (JPN)

I really have my doubts as to whether Nishikori can make it this far, especially carrying a leg injury that will make it difficult for him to keep low. Cuevas is also not a guarantee to make it this far, although if both men do then Nishikori will have the edge.

Quarter Winner: Djokovic over Cilic

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