Novak Djokovic (+120 to win the 2019 Wimbledon) will begin his defense of his Wimbledon title this coming Monday against Philipp Kohlschreiber. Taking on the reigning champion right out of the game isn’t exactly an enviable position for Kohlschreiber, but it’s still an opportunity for him to score a ground-shaking upset that would earn him more respect from his future opponents, peers, fans, and those betting on the long shot.
Kohlschreiber comes into his showdown with Djokovic in a not-so-good form. Kohlschreiber was hoping he could get some momentum heading into Wimbledon with some steam, but instead suffered early exits in Halle and Stuttgart, exiting both grass court tournaments int he first round. Despite those setbacks, has had his share of highs this year. Back in March, Kohlschreiber reached the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, beating Nick Kyrgios and Djokovic along the way before falling prey to Gael Monfils. That win over Kohlschreiber surely would be a source of encouragement for the German, who was eliminated from the 2018 Wimbledon in the third round. Kohlschreiber has made it to the Wimbledon third round just five times since 2005, which includes a quarterfinals appearance in 2012 — that was the deepest he’s gone in a Grand Slam tournament
How confident is Djokovic in his game on grass? Let’s just say the Serbian didn’t even try to acclimate himself on that kind of surface before the 2019 Wimbledon, as he has yet to play on grass this season. That being said, Djokovic has tried that kind approach before, so that’s not likely to have any negative impact on his game in London. Djokovic, who has four Wimbledon titles, last saw action at the 2019 French Open in which his plan to win four straight Grand Slam titles was foiled by Dominic Thiem in the semifinals. While Djokovic, as mentioned earlier, already suffered a defeat at the hands of Kohlschreiber, he quickly avenged that loss by beating Kohlschreiber in the next two meetings, both in clay matches. Djokovic tamed Kohlschreiber at the Monte Carlo Master and at the Rome Masters. Djokovic pretty much knows what kind of Kohlschreiber player is. After all, the two has met 12 times in their careers thus far, with Djokovic taking 10 of those matches, including in their first, and so far lone, showdown at Wimbledon in 2015, where they also hooked up in the first round with Djokovic winning the match, 6-4 6-4 6-4
