Nick Kyrgios delivers Wimbledon prediction as he analyses Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz chances
Nick Kyrgios has shared his breakdown of the Wimbledon men’s singles semi-finals and predicted that Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic will reach the championship match.
The Australian made the bold assertion that Djokovic is “playing and moving the best I have ever seen him” and labelled the great Serbian the favourite to win the title.
Alcaraz defeated Djokovic in an enthralling five-set final at Wimbledon last year, and the outstanding duo could face off in a blockbuster rematch on Sunday.
Daniil Medvedev will be Alcaraz’s semi-final opponent after he battled past world No 1 Jannik Sinner in five sets in the last eight. Alcaraz, who is seeded third, holds a 4-2 record against the world No 5 and dismantled him at the same stage at Wimbledon a year ago.
Djokovic will take on world No 25 and first-time Grand Slam semi-finalist Lorenzo Musetti in the second men’s last four encounter.
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The seven-time champion, who is the No 3 seed, has won five of his six previous meetings with the 22-year-old Italian, but this will be their first grass-court encounter.
Kyrgios, a Wimbledon finalist in 2022, has impressed in his role as a commentator and analyst for the BBC and ESPN during the Championships.
The former world No 13, who is planning to make a long-awaited return to the tour later this year, revealed he has been very impressed by the form of seven-time champion Djokovic.
“I think right now, he looks to be probably the favourite in my eyes,” the 29-year-old told the BBC.
“After that match against Holger Rune, he is playing and moving the best I have ever seen him. If one of the young guys can dethrone him, I am waiting for it.”
On his Instagram story, Kyrgios posted a pre-match analysis of the Alcaraz-Medvedev semi-final and explained why he feels the Spaniard has the edge.
“Extremely tough matchup for Medvedev, especially on the grass,” he wrote. “Allows Alcaraz to come forward and play a style of tennis that he loves – can incorporate drop shots and creativity.
“If Medvedev is to have a chance, he needs a great serving day, high 60% to low 70%, first serve percentage. He will also need to take more risk from the back of the court and dictate majority of rallies instead of being OK with having extended rallies.
“My prediction will be Alcaraz in 4-5 sets. Medvedev was rock solid against Sinner, but Sinner was so reluctant to come forward and serve and volley. Whereas Alcaraz has proved he is willing to follow the game plan to defeat ‘Meddy’.”
The seven-time ATP titlist also detailed why he is backing Djokovic to prove too strong for Musetti.
“Incredibly tough matchup for Musetti on the grass against the GOAT,” Kyrgios assessed. “Executed an amazing game plan against [Taylor] Fritz in an epic five-set battle.
“Unfortunately, Novak’s willingness to come forward and attack the Musetti slice will make it incredibly hard for Musetti to play his natural game that has taken him this far on grass.
“Novak’s ground strokes will be coming in deep and flat, which will make it incredibly hard for Musetti to use his ultimate weapon – FH (forehand).
“If Musetti is to have a chance, he needs to have the best serving day of his career and play a level that few have reached. Timely drop shots and risk taking that the young Italian possesses will have to come at crucial times.
“Maintaining score board pressure and resisting the Novak all out attack will be a fun watch. Prediction, Novak in 3-4 sets.”
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