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Three to See: Wimbledon Day 5

Jul 6th 2017

Simona Halep versus Peng Shuai

With all the spotlight on comeback players like Victoria Azarenka and Petra Kvitova, as well as power players like Venus Williams and Madison Keys, there has not been much talk about Simona Halep and her chances of winning the Wimbledon title.  And while there were bound to be some concerns about how she would recover from what can only be described as a devastating loss in the Roland Garros final last month, she is due some consideration here in London.  She is, after all, a former semifinalist here and currently the Number 2 ranked player in the world.  She is a solid baseline player with exceptional defensive skills.  She also has a decent serve for her size.  And though the grass surface can diminish the impact of her defensive skills, it also helps a player like her, who can often find it difficult to hit through a slower surface like clay.  All told, there is no reason to believe she cannot go all the way here like she nearly did in Paris. 

Simona Halep

But if she wants to prove that point, she first must get by Peng Shuai, who is one tough cookie.  Peng is a former US Open semifinalist and has been to the second week of Wimbledon multiple times.  She is a former world no.1 doubles player and was ranked as high as world no.14 in singles before an injury-marred 2015 saw her take a tumble in the rankings.  The veteran has clawed her way back up into the Top 40, however, and she would like to continue that ascent by putting together a deep run at Wimbledon.  She has the tools to do it, too.  She is the bigger ball-striker in this contest, holds the edge on serve, and no question her net skills are superior.  But Halep is going to test her consistency, and if Peng allows the Romanian to turn this into a track meet, the odds favor Halep.  In the end, this one is closer than it would appear on paper.  The nod goes to Halep, but Peng is perfectly capable of turning the tables to advance to the fourth round.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga versus Sam Querrey

People often talk about the magic of Wimbledon, and while that is simply a phrase, Sam Querrey may be hoping to put some stock in it.  It was at this venue a year ago where he stunned the tennis world by upsetting Novak Djokovic on his way to a quarterfinal finish.  He now finds himself a match away from reaching the second week for a second successive year, and once again, he will have to pull off an upset to do so.  This time it is Jo-Wilfried Tsonga standing in his way, and the Frenchman is no stranger to success on these hallowed lawns.  He has been a regular in the latter stages of this event, reaching two semifinals, and like Querrey, he also made the final eight here last season. 

Sam Querrey

As to which of these men is most likely to have a look at matching and possibly besting that feat this year, the odds favor the twelfth seed, but he is not a lock.  He is the more explosive of the pair and typically the more consistent, as evidenced by his higher ranking.  He holds the mental edge as well, given that he leads his rivalry with Querrey 4-1.  But in terms of firepower, Querrey can match, if not surpass him stroke for stroke, and with all his experience in doubles, can hold his own at the net just fine.  The real weapon that this match will hinge on is the Querrey serve.  As illustrated in his victory over Djokovic last year, if the American is having a great serving day, he is going to be very difficult to beat, as superior defensive skills and explosiveness from the ground do not do one any good if the serve cannot be put back in play.  In short, this is a winnable match for either man and if it is like their five-set thriller that ended 12-10 in favor of Tsonga three years ago, fans are in for a treat.

Venus Williams versus Naomi Osaka

There is apt to be intrigue in any match that features one of the most promising of the young guns against an established member of the old guard.  That is what is on tap in the third-round clash between Naomi Osaka and Venus Williams.  As a five-time champion, Williams is always considered a contender at this event, and this year is no exception.  But circumstances off-court appear to be taking a toll on the American, leaving the door open for Osaka to pull off the upset.  There are many people excited about the prospects for this Japanese teenager, who has already cracked the Top 40 in the rankings.  Her idol growing up was Serena Williams, and much like her idol, she is an aggressive player who thrives on taking it to her opponents. 

Venus Williams

She boasts a powerful serve, and though she prefers to inflict damage with her forehand, her backhand is nothing to sneeze at.  As penetrating as her weapons are, however, it is Osaka who is going to have to take more risks to ensure she gets on top of a greater percentage of the rallies.  She cannot defend at nearly the same level as Williams, nor can she flip defense into offense as effectively.  Furthermore, she is not as adept at the net, and it is going to be a long day at the office if she is unable to keep Williams out of the forecourt.  If Osaka can play her A-game and take it to the veteran, she has a look at garnering the upset.  But Williams will not make it easy for her, and her experience and more developed game likely will result in her staving off the upstart.