Novak Djokovic’s quest for a third consecutive Wimbledon title is off to a solid start after crushing hometown favorite James Ward in the first round on Monday. The world no. 1 will look to seal a place in the round of 32 when he takes on Adrian Mannarino at Center Court later today.
Read on below for an in-depth breakdown of this second-round clash and while you’re at it, you can check out our preview of the round-of-64 match between Roger Federer and Marcus Willis.
Cash In on the Best Online Sportsbook Offers Now at TopBet!
Novak Djokovic stormed into the second round of the 2016 Wimbledon Championships with an emphatic 6-0, 7-6 (3), 6-3 win over James Ward on Monday. It was an excellent performance by the 12-time Grand Slam champion who needed just two hours and three minutes to record the straight-sets victory.
Djokovic, who recorded his first-ever win against Ward, blasted 29 winners and won 78 percent of his first serve points. What proved to be the difference in the match, however, was his fabulous return. Djokovic won 45 percent of his receiving points against the Briton with the World No. 1 converting five of his 10 break point opportunities.
Djokovic will look to continue his hot streak when he takes on Adrian Mannarino in the second round. This will be the first meeting between Djokovic and Mannarino in the ATP Tour. For Djokovic to beat Mannarino, he needs to continue his superb net play. He won 25 of his 36 net points against Ward in the opening round.
Adrian Mannarino booked a place in the second round of Wimbledon with a convincing 6-2 7-5 6-4 win over Kyle Edmund on Monday. It was a brilliant showing from Mannarino who needed just two hours and three minutes to outlast the British number three. With the victory, Mannarino is through to the round of 64 at Wimbledon for the fourth consecutive year. He will face his toughest test, though, in the second round as he will square off with the great Novak Djokovic. The Serbian star has won five of the last six Grand Slam tournaments.
For Mannarino to record a major shock in the next round, the Frenchman needs to get his service game going quickly. Mannarino’s serve was erratic against Edmund as he put into play just 55 percent of his first serves in that match. Mannarino also needs to continue his excellent net play if he is to upset the mighty Djokovic. He won 13 of his 16 net points in the first-round victory against Edmund.
Mannarino is 7-3 in his last 10 matches.
Writer’s Prediction
Djokovic (-10,000) destroys Mannarino in straight sets.
