Wimbledon Men's Semi-Finals Picks
It’s men’s semi finals day at Wimbledon and there promises to be two compelling and captivating matches at SW19. Naturally, all eyes will be on the meeting between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. This is the first time the two legends will have faced each other at Wimbledon since their famous final back in 2008. Novak Djokovic is up against Roberto Bautista-Agut in the other semi. Here are four tips for Friday.
Novak Djokovic v Roberto Bautista-Agut
Wimbledon men’s singles semi final, Friday July 12
There has been no stopping Novak Djokovic at this year’s Wimbledon. The world number one is playing like the world number one, dismantling David Goffin in straight sets in the quarter finals. Djokovic won 76% of his first serve points against Goffin, winning seven of the 10 break points he brought up. The Serbian was imperious and has been throughout the tournament.
Roberto Bautista-Agut arrives at this stage of the Championships in the form of his life having dropped just one set in the five matches he has played so far. If the Spaniard can keep his game tight and limit the unforced errors he has the potential to cause Djokovic some problems in this semi final.
Bautista-Agut is aiming to make his first Grand Slam final. He has 11 career wins over top 10 players and has won eight of his last 10 matches on grass. Perhaps most positively for the Spaniard, he won the last two matches he has played against Djokovic, although the Serbian’s overall record - seven wins from 10 meetings - is much better.
1u - Back Novak Djokovic To Win 3-0 @ -137
2u - Back Novak Djokovic To Win Set 1 and Win @ -380
Wimbledon men’s singles semi final, Friday July 12
This is the match we all wanted. For the first time since their famous meeting back in 2008 Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer will face each other at Wimbledon. Both players have been in exceptional form over the course of the tournament and so this has the potential to be another classic match between two true legends of the game. This is a sporting event you will have to make time for on Friday afternoon.
Federer came through a tricky quarter final in four sets against Kei Nishikori. His serving was most impressive and has been impressive in every match he has played at Wimbledon this year, serving 12 aces against Nishikori on Wednesday. He also won 95% of his service games against the Japanese, winning 74% of his service points in total.
Nadal’s quarter final against Sam Querrey was just as impressive, seeing off the in-form American in straight sets. The Spaniard won 45% of his return points against Querrey, who had been serving like a machine up until he faced Nadal in the final eight. This suggests the number three seed will be able to handle the serving of Federer. The Swiss has a better record on grass against Nadal (two wins to one), but this could be something of a coin flip.
1.5u - Back Rafael Nadal To Win @ -129
0.5u - Back Total 4 Sets @ +153