Wimbledon R3 previews and predictions: Djokovic vs. Hurkacz, Auger-Aliassime vs. Humbert

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic continues his quest for a Wimbledon title defense against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz, while Canada’s teen phenom Felix Auger-Aliassime takes on Ugo Humbert. The winners will face each other in round four.

(1) Novak Djokovic vs. Hubert Hurkacz

It’s been smooth sailing so far for defending champion Novak Djokovic. The Serb came to London off disappointment at the French Open. He was attempting to capture his second Roland Garros title and the Nole-Slam (had he won, he’d have held all four Slam titles at once, though not in the same calendar year). The world No. 1 was sent packing by Dominic Thiem in the semifinals, thus ending his quest. Based on his performance in London so far, he seems to have bounced back nicely. Djokovic scored routine, straight-set wins over Philipp Kohlschreiber and Denis Kudla in his first two rounds.

His third-round opponent is the up-and-coming Hubert Hurkacz. At the start of 2019, Hurkacz still spent part of his time on the Challenger circuit. Success during the spring hard court swing has given him enough of a rankings boost that he rarely needs to qualify for tournaments any longer. He hasn’t had fantastic success at the majors so far, so it’s good news for the Pole that he is in the third round. The bad news is that his opponent is Djokovic.

Djokovic dismantled Hurkacz last month in the first round of the French Open. Given all of those Wimbledon titles, it’s doubtful that Hurkacz will make a dent in the favorite’s quite excellent grass court game.

Cheryl pick: Djokovic in 3

Ricky pick: Djokovic in 3

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(19) Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. Ugo Humbert

Felix Auger-Aliassime has proven to be an excellent grass-court player. The 18-year-old fought his way to the finals in Stuttgart and the semis at Queen’s Club a few weeks ago. His path to the third round hasn’t been entirely smooth. Each of his first two matches were competitive four-set affairs. He took out countryman Vasek Pospisil in the first round and the talented Frenchman Corentin Moutet in the second.

Eventually, fatigue may be a factor for Auger-Aliassime at the All-England Club, as he has played a lot of tennis in the past month. But for the time being, he will be the favorite in these early round matches. Ugo Humbert is a fellow Next Gen hopeful. He sits at No. 66 in the world, but he hasn’t had any deep runs in grass court events. Humbert was in a five-set battle with Gael Monfils in the first round when the injury-prone Frenchman retired. He wrapped up Marcel Granollers in straight sets in the second round, but Auger-Aliassime is an opponent playing on a different level.

The two men have never played before, but on this surface the Canadian will go into the match with a clear edge.

Cheryl pick: Auger-Aliassime in 4

Ricky pick: Augrer-Aliassime in 3

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