Novak Djokovic’s quest for a third Wimbledon title remains right on track after defeating Philipp Kohlschreiber in the first round on Monday. The defending champion will look to book a place in the round of 32 this coming Wednesday when he takes on the ever-dangerous Jarkko Nieminen.
Read on below for an in-depth breakdown of this second-round matchup and while you’re at it, you can check out our preview of the match between Venus Williams and Yulia Putintseva.
[sc:TennisArticles ]Novak Djokovic vs. Jarkko Nieminen Betting Preview
Where: All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon
When: Wednesday, July 1, 8:05 AM ET
Line: Novak Djokovic (-10,000) vs. Jarkko Nieminen (+3,000) – view all Wimbledon Men’s Singles lines
Betting on Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic stormed into the second round of Wimbledon with an entertaining 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win over Philipp Kohlschreiber on Centre Court. It was an excellent performance from the eight-time Grand Slam champion who needed just two hours and three minutes to oust the German.
[sc:Other240banner ]Djokovic, who improved to 7-1 against Kohlschreiber, blasted 36 winners and won 73% of his first serve points. What proved to be the difference in the match, though, was his return. Djokovic won 43% of his receiving points against the German with the world No. 1 converting five of his 12 break point opportunities.
Next up for Djokovic is a second-round clash with Finnish star Jarkko Nieminen. The 28-year-old has fared extremely well in his past meetings with Nieminen, winning five of their six previous matches. Djokovic eased past Nieminen in their last meeting at the French Open last month, trouncing him in straight sets, 6-2, 7-5, 6-2. But this will be the first meeting between the two tennis stars on grass.
Djokovic is 9-1 in his last 10 matches.
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Betting on Jarkko Nieminen
Jarkko Nieminen ended Lleyton Hewitt’s glittering Wimbledon career, beating the Australian in five gruelling sets, 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-0, 11-9. It was a brilliant display of tennis from Nieminen who needed four hours to eliminate the 2002 Wimbledon champion.
With the victory, Nieminen is through to the second round of Wimbledon for the ninth time in his career. He will face his toughest test in the round of 64, though, in Novak Djokovic. The Serbian star has been on a tear in this tournament, winning his last eight matches at the All-England Club.
For Nieminen to record a major shock in the second round, the Finn needs to dominate with his service game. Nieminen’s serve was simply exceptional against Hewitt as he converted 68% of his first serves. Nieminen took full advantage of that fact, winning 77 of his 117 first serve points for a solid 66% clip.
Apart from his serve, Nieminen also needs to limit his miscues if he is to upset the mighty Djokovic. He committed 48 unforced errors in that marathon win against Hewitt. That simply won’t do against a tough competitor such as Djokovic who is playing in his first competitive tournament since losing to Stan Wawrinka in the French Open final.
Nieminen is 4-6 in his last 10 matches.
Writer’s Prediction
Djokovic (-10,000) beats Nieminen in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2.
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