It’s day two of the Wimbledon quarter-finals, and while Rafael Nadal has been the man of the year on the courts in 2022, the pace picks up for the Spaniard with a clash against Taylor Fritz – and possibly Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic – on the horizon as he tries to win the first three Grand Slams of the year!
Meanwhile, in the women’s singles, Simona Halep is enthralling her supporters with her effort to become a two-time Wimbledon winner. The former world number one, who defeated Serena Williams in the 2019 final, is not going quietly in the last days of the London major.
Cristian Garin v Nick Kyrgios
Cristian Garin stunned the world by coming back from two sets down to defeat Alex de Minaur in the last 16 of the men’s draw, but the Chilean number one has a steep learning curve when he faces Nick Kyrgios.
Garin appears to be the best player his country has produced since 2007 Australian Open finalist Fernando Gonzalez, and when he’s on his game, he’s a force on any surface.
Kyrgios showed skill and bravery in defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the last 16, and he has previously defeated Rafael Nadal and Milos Raonic in the London major.
After winning the Aussie Open doubles this year with good friend Thanasi Kokkinakis, Kyrgios seems to mean business and the favourite is expected to triumph in three or four sets.
Taylor Fritz v Rafael Nadal
Nadal easily defeated Botic van de Zandschulp in the last 16, but a clash with Taylor Fritz could be much more difficult.
Fritz has already had a historic season, having upset Nadal in the final of the Indian Wells Masters in March.
Much is riding on how the Californian slow-burner, himself a good talent, approaches his latest encounter with the Spaniard. Simply put, Fritz is now good enough to compete with the veteran Majorcan on a fast court, and even if he falls short against Nadal, he should ensure a close encounter.
Punters can bet on Fritz resuming his form from their desert final, which handed the 24-year-old his first taste of the Masters Series 1,000 glory. But getting with the outsider either to win at least a set or on the total-games handicap may better suit punters.
