Wimbledon Day 8 Predictions Including Novak Djokovic vs Alex de Minaur

Three timeless veterans take to the court in Wimbledon’s round of 16. Novak Djokovic just won his 100th Wimbledon match and is taking on Alex de Minaur, Grigor Dimitrov has a tough task against Jannik Sinner, and Marin Cilic looks to return to the Wimbledon quarterfinals against Flavio Cobolli, one of the two Italian men on court on Monday. Our panelists offer all their predictions.

Alex de Minaur vs Novak Djokovic

Steen: Miomir Kecmanovic and Dan Evans could do little to stop Djokovic from a demolition job into the round of 16. The 38 year old is playing loose and confident to this stage and has improved to 22-8 on the season. Djokovic leads the h2h 2-1, as de Minaur withdrew last year before this pair played. ADM made quick work of August Holmgren in the third round and has looked comfortable. 28-13 on the season, de Minaur is looking to return to the quarterfinals at Wimbledon and defend his ranking points. de Minaur’s speed and court coverage makes this a challenge for Djokovic, but it’s still going to take a sustained high level to defeat the Serbian superstar. Prediction: Djokovic in 4

Damian: Is Djokovic’s best chance to win a Slam from here at Wimbledon? Probably, and the draw makes you think he’ll reach the deep stages of this event. De Minaur was in the form of his life not long ago but not only is he struggling a bit more right now, his ceiling is limited too and he’s too predictable to be beating the top guys on a regular basis. Djokovic’s no exception. Djokovic in 4

Yesh: Novak Djokovic looks in imperious form so far this Wimbledon. Maybe Sinner or Alcaraz can trouble him. But de Minaur can’t. Prediction: Djokovic in 3

Ben Shelton vs Lorenzo Sonego

Steen: Sonego’s 5 set epic over Shelton’s countryman Brandon Nakashima was fun, and Sonego is making the best of his good grass court form, but he’s likely reached the end of the road at this point. Shelton’s serve is a great weapon on this surface, and he’s won 9 consecutive sets on this surface after a run to the Stuttgart semis earlier on grass. Shelton has his best chance to advance beyond Wimbledon’s 4th round for the first time, and to do it, he just has to beat Sonego for a third time in a row in a slam. Prediction: Shelton in 4

Damian: Their third meeting at a Slam this season and while Shelton has been winning them, it’s never that easy. The American gets such a massive boost to his game at the Majors, be it benefitting from the longer format or just loving the big stage. It likely will be competitive again, even if Shelton has to be regarded as the favorite. Shelton in 4

Yesh: Ben Shelton is serving confidently and playing overall great grass court tennis. Sonego might be better than the American on clay. But not on grass. Prediction: Shelton in 4

Jannik Sinner vs Grigor Dimitrov

Steen: Dimitrov has only dropped a set in three matches, at 34, the former semifinalist has been vintage form wise, more than a decade removed from that magic run in 2014. Sinner leads the h2h 4-1 after Dimitrov won their first meeting. The world #1 has crushed everyone in his path thus far. Dimitrov offers more resistance, but does he offer upset level form? It’s very unlikely. Prediction: Sinner in 3

Damian: Dimitrov reaching the fourth round for the third straight year is a great achievement, especially considering he didn’t have much momentum going into this event and was coming off an injury. But this is just the end of the road. Sinner is so tough to beat right now unless you’re really unpredictable or your name is Alcaraz, the veteran has neither. Sinner in 3

Yesh: Jannik Sinner looks absurdly strong right now. This will be his first real test of the Championships, but there’s no reason to think he won’t pass it with flying colors. Prediction: Sinner in 3

Marin Cilic vs Flavio Cobolli

Steen: The former finalist Cilic is on an 8 match win streak. At 36 years old, he’s dictating points on grass like he’s 10 years younger and has bullied his opponents off the court. He has been prone to lapses for at least a set though, as both Jack Draper and Jaume Munar took a set off him before he won in four. Cobolli at 23 is at a career high ranking, and has yet to drop a set, 19-15 on the year with two ATP titles, Cobolli is absolutley a player to watch. Can he stop Cilic’s momentum and seize the moment? Expect a battle, but Cilic on grass is still a star. Prediction: Cilic in 5

Damian: 2017 finalist Cilic is having a vintage run here and finds himself on an 8-match winning streak. Cobolli’s not easy to beat with a pretty complete game even on grass. He will force the Croat to execute well and extend the points while still trying to fire back. Let’s say the veteran has some magic left in him, but this one can really go both ways with Cilic not going so deep in an event like this in a while. Cilic in 5

Yesh: Marin Cilic is playing like the man who reached the final here eight years ago. He shouldn’t have too much trouble in this match. Prediction: Cilic in 4

Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports

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