Wimbledon 2022, Round of 16, Monday, 04.07.2022
Novak Djokovic or Rafael Nadal? For many, this is the only question when it comes to who will lift the trophy at Wimbledon. It is good that the Spaniard has finally bitten his way into the tournament after slight problems.
On Monday evening, he wants to rest his injured foot and reach the quarter-finals. In my Van de Zandschulp Nadal tip, I reveal why my betting recommendation also goes in the direction of a clear result!
Rafael Nadal and his ankle problems have long been an issue in top tennis. The 22-time Grand Slam champion no longer brings the very best fitness to the court.
After his triumph at the French Open, he left it open for a long time whether he wanted to compete at Wimbledon at all. Now he is taking part, and of course all that counts now is the title. Has he really already completely overcome his difficulties at the beginning?
Already at 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 against Francisco Cerundolo, the Spaniard was shaky and gave his rival an unbelievable 18 break chances. Ricardas Berankis also demanded everything of him, although Nadal was already in better control of his service.
Nevertheless, at 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, one saw a tired champion. When many were already denying him the class to really have a serious say in the title, the old champion fought back rigorously.
In the 3rd round he finally managed his first straight win against Lorenzo Sonego. Even if one can accuse him of taking it a little easier towards the end at 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.
And lo and behold, suddenly he only gave up one break chance. Did his foot just have a good day or has Nadal finally fought his way into the tournament? On Monday evening, Botic van de Zandschulp should find out.
The German bookmakers don’t have much confidence in the Dutchman, with the odds averaging 5.50 to 1.15. Does that have anything to do with the first and so far only duel between the two?
Their paths crossed in Paris, where Nadal beat his opponent 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. Van de Zandschulp knows, however, that the surface is different now and that his chances on grass are likely to be somewhat better.
The world number 25 is establishing himself more and more in the circle of the extended top players, so the round of 16 at Wimbledon is no longer a surprise. Right in the 1st round he had started with a very confident 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 against Feliciano Lopez.
Against Emil Ruusuvuori he only shook for a short time, after a 3-6 in the first set he won 6-1, 6-4, 6-4. In the 3rd round van de Zandschulp threw Richard Gasquets out of the tournament in four sets.
He collected an average of over 85% of points on his first serve, a figure that makes him a real threat to Nadal. Against Gasquet, however, he allowed four breaks on six occasions, a number he will not be allowed to allow himself on Monday.
My Van de Zandschulp Nadal Tip
Rafael Nadal seems to have finally arrived at Wimbledon. After some problems, I could see a significant increase in my analysis, especially with my own serve.
However, Botic van de Zandschulp has not been a walk-on for a long time. Nadal is my favourite, but whether it will be a quick victory will probably be decided by his fitness. I therefore recommend a somewhat more cautious tip, namely this one:
We see less than 39.5 Games!
