Resurgent American Frances Tiafoe will go up against Karen Khachanov for a spot in the round of 16 at Wimbledon on Friday. Meanwhile, Britain’s own Dan Evans faces Sebastian Korda on Centre Court.
(25) Karen Khachanov vs. Frances Tiafoe
If Karen Khachanov and Frances Tiafoe’s third-round match on Friday is anything like their last encounter at Wimbledon, the fans are in for a real treat. Their only other meeting came at the All-England Club in 2018. Tiafoe had a two-set lead before Khachanov came storming back to win in five.
Neither man has had a particularly impressive year. Khachanov in particular has been in a slump all spring. Except for a run to the semifinals in Lyon, the Russian has barely managed to win more than a match at a time. For his part, Tiafoe has just started turning around a dismal season with some good results on the grass. He won the Challenger event in Nottingham and got the quarters at Queen’s Club. But perhaps most impressive of all, the American notched the upset of his career with a win over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first round.
Given Tiafoe’s current form and his building confidence, the American might just find himself in the round of 16.
Cheryl pick: Tiafoe in 4
Ricky pick: Tiafoe in 4
(22) Dan Evans vs. Sebastian Korda
In another entry on the long list of intriguing matches on Friday, Dan Evans will take on the young Sebastian Korda. Evans is playing in front of the home crowd on Centre Court. He’s also having a strong season. The world No. 26 had a surprise run to the semifinals in Monte-Carlo, and he made the quarters at Queen’s Club. Yet even with what will almost certainly be boisterous crowd support against a lower-ranked opponent, this won’t be a walk in the park for Evans.
Korda’s star is on the rise. The young American won his first ever tournament in Parma earlier this spring, and has come out swinging in his first ever grass season on the ATP tour. Korda upset Aussie Alex de Minaur in a highly entertaining first-round match this week. He has displayed excellent feel this week and he’s a dangerous opponent, ranked 50th in the world and climbing.
With both men playing well and Korda beginning to display the ability to handle big moments, this match has all the makings of a real barnburner. It will almost certainly be a tussle and a fan-pleaser.
Cheryl pick: Korda in 5
Ricky pick: Evans in 4
WWW?
I got Foe in 3 and Evans in 5