Rafael Nadal will begin his bid for a third Wimbledon title when he goes up against Francisco Cerundolo during third-round action on Tuesday. In the same section of the draw, Felix Auger-Aliassime could have a tough opener on his hands with Maxime Cressy.
Francisco Cerundolo vs. (2) Rafael Nadal
The only thing that has held Nadal back in 2022 is injury and that is certainly the only way his Wimbledon first-round match could be competitive. When healthy, the 36-year-old Spaniard has been the dominant player on tour this season. He is halfway to the calendar-year Grand Slam following triumphs at the Australian Open and French Open and is 30-3 overall–also with titles at a Melbourne 250 and Acapulco. Nadal is seeking his third Wimbledon winner’s trophy and first since 2013.
Up first for the No. 2 seed on Tuesday is Cerundolo, who is making his main-draw debut at the All-England Club. The 41st-ranked Argentine is not entirely hopeless on grass (3-3 lifetime) and he advanced one round at Queen’s Club before losing to British wild card Ryan Peniston. Cerundolo then dropped his Eastbourne opener to Tommy Paul via a 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-4 decision. The 23-year-old has proven to be capable of finding success on surfaces other than clay, but nothing suggests he can seriously test Nadal on grass at major.
Pick: Nadal in 3
(6) Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. Maxime Cressy
Arguably the marquee matchup of the entire first round features Auger-Alassime and Cressy, who will also be going head-to-head for the first time in their careers. Auger-Aliassime is deservedly among the title favorites given his quarterfinal run last summer, his overall success at Grand Slams, and his form in 2022. The eighth-ranked Canadian is 30-15 with his first-ever ATP title in Rotterdam, a quarterfinal performance at Melbourne Park, and a fourth-round showing at Roland Garros (lost to Nadal in five sets).
This should be a classic grass-court contest worthy of a second-week showdown between two guys who love the lawn. Cressy serves and volleys more than anyone else on tour and that tactic just carried him to the Eastbourne final, which he lost to Taylor Fritz in a third-set tiebreaker. It would not be shocking if the 45th-ranked American pulls off an upset, but Auger-Aliassime’s experience of Grand Slam success should help him get what could be a very successful fortnight underway.
Pick: Auger-Aliassime in 4
Rafa Dug Deep in the fourth set. Cerundolo was playing like a seasoned proffessional on grass. His BH was off the charts.
Rafa’s draw is looking more let’s say “Navigatable” now. Someone please take care of certain serb now please.
Vamos Rafa
Lol, can’t c anyone on that side troubling Nole! But then again this is tennis. This half of the draw is so dull though but there r a few interesting matches in bottom half, Murray vs Isner for one! Hope Alcaraz and Murray clash!!
One match at a time ..5 matches more to go for that. But i hope it’s a rafaole final with rafa winning ..it will be historic ..
Sanju,
You sound positively zen these days! Yes, one match at a time! Rafa will get better with each match.
Does this mean that you will watch Rafa’s matches? Your calm and confidence is rubbing off on me!
😉
He won 2 nny. We have every reason to be relaxed. I don’t watch his matches still but we have a lot to be grateful for after 2 slam wins this year which I am sure no one expected after what happened last year. I am expecting rafa to play with ease with every round as the pressure is off him now .
I don’t know if he will win wimby but I am hopeful. I told since years that I had a feeling he will get 22 which he has ,will he add more am not sure but the way things are unfolding this year ,I am keeping hopes that this is the huge redemption year to get lot of good and unexpected things and unfinished businesses. I for sure want him to meet Novak in the final and beat him and shut up the mouths of many for once who say he can beat Novak only on clay.
Sanju,
I agree with you. After winning the first two slams we should be relaxed. It’s all gravy from here. RAF has had so many obstacles in the first teo slams, yet he persevered and triumphed. It’s like nothing can stop him.
He found a way to play at Wimbledon. I watched the last few games of his match on the replay last night. I was too nervous to watch it live. The way he just let out a roar after match point, was amazing to see. It means that much to him.He looked so happy after the match, celebrating with the crowd. I loved it!
He wanted to play at Wimbledon. They found a way for him to do it. You did say he would get 22. I just sense a good feeling from you right now. Rafa just has to get into good form on the grass. His draw has opened up and he has a real opportunity.
I love that you want him to face Novak in the final and beat him! You have faith in Rafa! I would love to see it happen, especially after Novak said he wants revenge at Wimbledon for the loss to Rafa at RG. I would be happy to see it.
Vamos Rafa!
What I want most is redemption for what happened in 2018 wimby with the roofgate…that payback is pending still.
2012 ao close match was settled at rg 13 sf close match
Ao 19 crushing loss was settled at rg 20 with handing of a crushing loss.
Rg 21 sf loss was settled at rg22 in 4 sets
What remains is just wimby 18 settlement and the perfect way to do it would be the final this time in a 5 setter
Believe me, I would love to see retribution for that disgraceful 2018 Wimby! That one has bothered me ever since. Payback here would be great!
I like how you have it broken out like that. Okay, settlement time is coming!
Wow! Cressy! Thought he’d be a threat at Wimbledon, and so he was. Another match you didn’t know who would win till the very last ball was struck. Brilliant.
I haven’t seen much of Cressy, but many did think he would be tough for Felix. They obviously knew more than I did. There are so many matches in the early rounds and we don’t get to see them. But that was one I would have liked to see.