Wimbledon 2022, 2nd Round, Wednesday, 29.06.2022
The experts agree: Wimbledon 2022, only Novak Djokovic can actually triumph here. But considering that the Serb is so highly rated, he had quite a few problems to contend with in his opening match.
In my Djokovic Kokkinakis tip, I reveal why I would still choose a bet that gives the challenger some confidence!
Admittedly, Novak Djokovic’s performance in the first round of Wimbledon wasn’t exactly perfect. He beat the South Korean Soon-woo Kwon 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
One could not have expected him to have so much difficulty. It was a good thing that he won 85% of his first serve points, otherwise the match might even have been overturned.
Djokovic does not seem to be completely liberated, also because there is always Corona trouble. The unvaccinated 35-year-old had been practising together with Marin Cilic, who in turn came to light with a positive test.
It is still unclear what will happen to the Djoker. With no points up for grabs this year, Djokovic cannot reclaim the lost top spot in the world rankings, he has slipped to third place.
I probably don’t need to discuss how strong he is on grass, not for nothing had he won the last three editions of Wimbledon. Has he ever been knocked out in the 2nd round? Indeed – in 2009 against a certain Marat Safin!
How well did Djokovic prepare after his quarter-final exit at the French Open against Rafael Nadal? Against Thanasi Kokkinakis that should be a little clearer, because the Australian can be a damn unpleasant opponent.
Seven years ago, the two played each other at Roland Garros, where Djokovic won outright 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. This time, the bookmakers see similar signs, with the favourite barely managing a 1.05.
Thanasi Kokkinakis knows, of course, that he would have to go beyond himself against Novak Djokovic to pull off the sensation. But in his 1st round, he has already come good and gained confidence.
With 7-6, 6-2, 7-5 he won against the Pole Kamil Majchrzak, especially his 17 aces were strong. The serve is the big plus of the doubles partner of Nick Kyrgios, so Majchrzak was only allowed to break once.
The 26-year-old only played one match on grass before Wimbledon, but he still got into a good rhythm. It is also the first time he has made it past the first round in the English capital anyway.
Kokkinakis can annoy the big names, but it is usually not quite enough to win. He is in no way inferior to his doubles partner, but does not exactly shine with 100% discipline. But a win against Novak Djokovic would make a lot of waves.
My Djokovic Kokkinakis tip
Novak Djokovic seems to be taking a while to adjust to the new surface. His problems in the 1st round surprised me too. Thanasi Kokkinakis should not be an easy opponent.
The Australian serves really strong, the service is his speciality. He’s not really in top form, but when he’s up against a real top star, he has the mentality to come out on top. The serve is my reason for sending the following tip into the race:
We’ll see at least a tiebreak!
