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
It doesn’t matter but Rafa won his second and last Wimbledon championship in 2010. In 2013 he lost in first round, one of his few losses that great year.
FAA and Cressy could be a thriller…..but I like FAA in 5…..and Rafa in 3.
Agree. And about “thriller.” Cressy’s game built for grass.
Rafa seems a bit shaky today but the conditions r not great, a bit windy! Lost break he had early on, arrrggghhh!!
I’m finding that I’m having trouble posting my comments, sigh
Yes he is nervous. Annoying when he gave the break back!
He seems to be waiting for Cerundolo to make mistakes…
His fh hasn’t been working which is a sign he is nervous..
Count yourselves lucky if you don’t have to listen to Johb Inverdale on the BBC. I have to mute rather than curse at his commentary all through the match.
I have it on mute as well! I can stand Invertwerp..!😠
I am watching live streaming and it really excruciating hearing these commies. I’m not listening though bcoz that means I really care about what they have to say. Their bias against Rafa is not even funny!!
JMac has become really impossible. He has said negative things about Rafa.
I have to mute the sound at times because of him.
This site has become almost impossible to use! Internal server error comes up all the time
Same here. 🙁
Me too.
Who’s the best/most reasonable commentator? Tim has improved, JMAC has disimproved. Paul Anacone would be great.
Oh, slip – looks OK.
I like Paul Annacone. Very knowledgeable and doesn’t let his bias show. JMac has become an embarrassment. Jim Courier on the tennis channel is pretty good.
My heart stopped when Rafa slipped and fell in the grass. But he seems to be okay.
Querrey lost today. Rafa’s draw is opening up. I don’t think players dropping out becatse of Covid was expected.
That’s me
Courier was decent for ITV.
Santoro was really good for ITV.
The women like Sam Smith and Keothovang are very respectful and generally much better.
Invertwerp is awful.
I had a very difficult time getting on the site today. Internal serving error kept coming up.
Rafa has relaxed and his game is in the groove now…
Berankis has beaten Querrey..
Yes, definitely more relaxed. Can’t really comment on his level yet. 1st match on grass in 3 years. Looking like repeat of Set 1 at the moment.
Yes since morning I’ve been having issues with internal server but it seems to be worse on Rafa”s thread
Rafa breaking and then getting broken has become all too familiar…
Does he get nervous after breaking because it has become an issue? It’s quite annoying..
Rafa seems to be trying to give away this set.
Just a crap passage of play from Rafa and he loses his serve again.
He seems nervous again..
About to lose the third set..
Am really irritated.
Why make life so hard for himself?
I guess the underlying issue is nerves..
Rafa has lost some intent and aggression, merde!!!!
I think it’s bcoz of the fall, he’s a bit cautious
Rafa hit 3 winners and 10 ues that set.
He was playing fine until he lost serve after breaking then the nervy play returned..
I hope the fall did not cause problems with the foot. Rafa just let that set get away from him.