Steve Johnson is back in action for the first time since a round of 32 exit at Wimbledon. The 27-year-old American had a slightly disappointing grass court season as he went just 4-4 on the surface.
However, it’s still been a pretty successful season for Johnson thus far, in large part because of unusually strong performances on clay. He’s 23-13 on the year, and went 11-7 on hard court earlier this year.
Johnson isn’t a particularly great hard court player, though. He’s 77-71 on the surface in his career, and has yet to win a single hard court tournament despite getting a lot more opportunities. He suffered some upset losses to Mikhail Kukushkin and Nicolas Mahut, so an early exit is a pretty distinct possibility.
Daniil Medvedev is through to the round of 32 after a come-from-behind, three-set war against American teenager Reilly Opelka in the round of 64, 6-7(8) 6-3 7-6(6). However, it came at a cost after he sprained his ankle during the match.
The 21-year-old has been playing a lot of tennis lately. He pulled off the biggest win of his career in the first round of Wimbledon when he eliminated World No. 3 Stan Wawrinka in four sets. He then went out in the very next round to Ruben Bemelmans in three grueling sets.
Nevertheless, Medvedev has had a breakout season this year. He’s 17-15 this season, which actually includes a win over Johnson on the grass courts of Nottingham.
Medvedev has also gone 9-7 on hard court. He made the final of his very first tournament of the season in Chennai before eventually losing to Roberto Bautista Agut.
Writer’s Prediction
Medvedev (+125) scores another upset win over Johnson as he tops the American in three sets.
