Dominant would be the perfect word to describe Simona Halep’s performance in Wimbledon 2016 thus far. She has yet to lose a set, and is definitely overflowing with confidence.
But confidence won’t be the only thing that should lead Halep to victory, as the World No. 5’s service and return game are clicking right now. She enters today’s matchup with Kiki Bertens having converted almost 70 percent of her first serve points and at least 60 percent of her return points in the first two rounds.
Halep’s overall efficiency is also worth noting. The Romanian, who is attractively priced at +1,800 to win the Venus Rosewater Dish, has done a solid job in limiting her mistakes. She’s currently averaging just 15.0 unforced errors in the tournament.
Kiki Bertens, meanwhile, is also in good form right now. She’s beaten her first two opponents—Jelena Ostapenko and Mona Barthel—in straight sets each. And playing a big part to that success is the Dutchwoman’s excellent service game.
Plus, it’s safe to say that Bertens will not be intimidated by Simona Halep, who’s had a far more successful career and is arguably the better grass court player. The World No. 26 definitely knows that she has the strength, power and talent to pull off the first major upset in the women’s draw. A testament to that was her semifinal appearance at this year’s French Open and her impressive triumph over Halep back in the 2012 Morocco Open.
Writer’s Prediction: Halep (-240) wins, but loses her first set in the tournament.
