CoCo Vandeweghe is ready to roll (we think)

Photo: Mal Taam/MALTphoto

FROM WIMBLEDON, Day 3

Plus, Alexander Zverev, Frances Tiafoe, Alison Riske, Kristina Mladenovic & more

THE WOMEN

Coco Vandeweghe haven’t reached the quarters at a Grand Slam, so now is the time. The SoCal native has improved a tremendous amount over the past two years; she is faster, she is more consistent, and finally, she knows when to hit it as hard as she can, or she can move backwards and wait for the opportunities.
Vandeweghe will play against Tatjana Maria on Thursday. If she wins, she will have to face against either Alison Riske, or Kristina Mladenovic. Riske loves grass, while the Frenchwomen Mladenovic has become substantially better this season. A toss up for sure. Whomever wins, it will be a dog fight. Vandeweghe hits a gigantic serve, as does Mladenovic and/or Riske, who goes for winners immediately.

By the way, Riske beat Sloane Stephens in straight sets. Recall that Stephens reached the semis here before, but last year, she got a serious injury, and it has taken her months to feel much better. She has a long way to go, but if she commits herself, then yes, she can win a Grand Slam. Not this year, but next year, she will have a shot.
Aga Radwanska will play Christina McHale, who will play excellent ball. But when they go deep in the 3rd set, she simply cannot become nervous. She has done that for so many times.

Varvara Lepchenko took down Lauren Davis 6-4 7-5 and to face Polona Herzog. You have to think that the vet Lepchenko has one great chance at Wimby to reach the second week.
Shelby Rogers will have to face Lucie Safarova, which will be tricky stuff as the Czech knows how to play … finally.

Here’s two great matches on Thursday:
Yanina Wickmayer versus Garbine Muguruza, and Beth Mattek-Sands against Sorana Cirstea. The former No. 1 Kim Clijsters is now coaching Wickmayer, who has dropped way down, but Clijsters knows how to calm her. It will take a long time, though.
The same goes with Mattek-sands; we all know that she is nearly perfect in doubles, but in singles, she has to be steadier.

THE MEN

Here is a terrific contest between the very young boys: Alexander Zverev against Frances Tiafoe. The German has already reached into the top 10, and the 19-year-old American Tiafoe is very flashy. It could go five sets, but in reality, right now, Zverev is stronger.

Ryan Harrison has to face Tomas Berdych, which will not be easy. Yes, the Czech hasn’t played very well this season, but he has reached the final at Wimby before, and his legs look stronger. It is up to Harrison to control the match.
Other than Andy Murray, only Brit man left is Kyle Edmund. He has to face Gael Monfils, which is tricky, but Edmund has an opportunity, because Monfils is way up and down. It is all about Edmund, who has to lock in and stay there.

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