Rafael Nadal is off to the second round following a four-set win over Francisco Cerundolo in the first round. He will meet Ricardas Berankis after the 32-year-old Lithuanian defeated Sam Querrey in straight sets.
Two of the most popular players in the most prestigious tournament in tennis were able to handle their first matches. Nadal and Djokovic won their openers, but one of the favorites had to drop out of the tournament. Matteo Berrettini was forced to exit Wimbledon because of a positive Covid-19 test.
That’s a significant loss at Wimboedon. Berrettini was red-hot on the grass going into Wimbledon, winning back-to-back tournaments.
In other Wimbledon news, Andy Murray couldn’t survive against John Isner’s ridiculous service game. Isner is closing in on the career ace record and came just short of breaking it with 36 aces versus Murray.
That’s the only thing Isner had against Murray, but it accounts for a lot when the ball can’t be returned. It was a small upset for Isner over the Brit, who had full support from the home crowd on Centre Court.
The quest for a 23rd major begins. @RafaelNadal I #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/n0xdkpat7l
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 28, 2022
Rafa was dealing with injuries, including an ankle injury that nearly kept him out of the French Open. He ultimately played in the tournament and won at Roland Garros.
Nadal made easy work of Cerundolo despite dropping the third set, 3-6. He powered through for a 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.
This looked like a match for Nadal to shake off the rust, which isn’t what Berankis cares to hear. Berankis will need a distracted Rafa on Thursday for this one to work out well. Head below for our free Berankis vs. Nadal prediction on June 30, 2022.
Ricardas Berankis vs. Rafael Nadal Wimbledon Live Betting Odds:
| Players | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ricardas Berankis | +8 (+100) | +1400 | Over 30.5 (-110) |
| Rafael Nadal | -8 (-130) | -5000 | Under 30.5 (-120) |
Berankis vs. Nadal Prediction:
Ricardas Berankis won in straight sets over Sam Querrey in his opener at Wimbledon. It was a win that was aided by the mistakes of Querrey.
Usually, when a player records just 2 aces compared to 20 for their opponent, bad things happen. However, Berankis was bailed out by seven double faults from Querrey.
How Berankis won in three sets after he recorded just 2 aces and Querrey had 20 is a clear case of a player that had some fortunate breaks.
Thursday’s assignment is going to be a different test versus Rafa. The Spaniard is much less likely to get himself into trouble. Berankis won his first match on the grass in that performance.
Nadal hasn’t played much on the grass over the last five years. He tends to just play Wimbledon and pass on the prep tournaments.
That hasn’t hurt Nadal from having success, though.
Rafa is 11-2 and 19-5 in sets on the grass since 2018. He’s fully capable of running hot on Centre Court.
Despite dealing with an ankle injury this year, he’s overcome the ailment and playing at an elite level. Nadal is 32-3 and 77-20 in sets on all surfaces in 2022.
Berankis isn’t going to get a gift from a foe handing him free games in the second round. Rafa won’t let that happen. Expect Nadal to be in control, with a win by nine or ten games.
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