Roger Federer versus Alexandr Dolgopolov

It has been awhile since Roger Federer has been under the microscope as the clear favorite at a major, yet that is exactly where he finds himself here at Wimbledon.  Fans will be eager to see how the Swiss looks as he kicks off his journey towards an eighth title, and they might just be in for a treat as Federer faces Alexandr Dolgopolov.  The Ukrainian is currently ranked outside of the Top 80, but he was once ranked as high as world no.13 and is capable of playing at that level on any given day.  He is a talented shot-maker, who unabashedly goes for his shots from either wing and from anywhere on the court.  He is also swift of foot and hits the ball hard and flat, which is often rewarded on the turf. 

He is an unorthodox competitor, and when on top of his game, can make any opponent feel uncomfortable out there.  Of course, Federer knows a thing or two about making the opposition uncomfortable.  He owns every shot in the book and is one of the most decorated champions in the history of the sport.  He has enjoyed a phenomenal resurgence in 2017, winning the Australian Open and completing the Sunshine Double at Indian Wells and Miami.  He should be rested after sitting out on the clay and fully confident thanks to his title run in Halle.  His experience will serve him well here, and all the various tools in his arsenal should allow him to combat whatever the Ukrainian throws at him.  In the end, Dolgopolov could make this an entertaining first-round encounter, but Federer should maintain his perfect record against him and move through to second round.

Agnieszka Radwanska versus Jelena Jankovic

Similar to what it was in Paris, the women's field in London is considered to be pretty wide open.  Two women hoping to take advantage of that are Agnieszka Radwanska and Jelena Jankovic, who will square off for a berth in the second round.  Neither woman has had much to write home about this year.  Jankovic has suffered a number of early losses, while Radwanska's year has been so mediocre, it seems shocking that she is the ninth seed here.  Yet despite their lack of notable results coming into this event, their odds of turning their season around in London are not out of the realm of possibility. 

Jankovic is a former US Open finalist, a former world no.1, and has been to the second week of Wimbledon on multiple occasions.  She is quick about the court, has a solid forehand, and her backhand is world-class.  Historically, she has been excellent at pulling that shot up the line to garner many impressive victories, and if that shot is firing on all cylinder on Tuesday, she will have a look at causing the upset. But Radwanska is not without her own bag of tricks.  She is known for being one of the craftiest players on tour, and her artistry has typically been at its best on the grass.  The turf rewards her various spins and slices, and she has exceptionally deft touch at the net.  The Pole is also typically at her most confident on the grass.  This is the sight of her lone appearance in a Slam final, and she knows this is the surface that best suits her game.  Couple that with her 7-2 edge over the Serb – including a victory here at Wimbledon – and she looks good to move through to the second round.

Tomas Berdych versus Jeremy Chardy

If ever there were a top seed flying under the radar, it would be Tomas Berdych.  The Czech has struggled to perform his usual best, and has a result, finds himself now ranked outside of the Top 10.  No doubt he will be hungry to make something happen at Wimbledon to get his game moving back in the right direction.  He will have an excellent look at getting his campaign started off on the right foot against Jeremy Chardy. 

The Frenchman has found it difficult to string together wins and at times has been relegated to playing the Challenger Tour this season, which is why he has seen his ranking slip to Number 70.  But like many French players, he is a flashy player able to turn it on to play above his ranking on any given occasion.  His talent once took him to world no.25, and though his last meeting with the Czech was a loss that came at this venue, he will likely take some comfort from the fact that it was a four-set battle that included two tiebreaks.  For that reason, Berdych will not be taking Chardy lightly but should still like his chance to snatch the victory.  He is the more consistent of the pair with greater firepower, especially from his backhand side.  Add in his perfect 4-0 record against Chardy as well as the fact that he is a former Wimbledon Finalist, and he is easily the player who should be expected to emerge from this contest the victor.