Wimbledon 2018 Seed Reports

Breaking down the Wimbledon 2018 draw, including top first-round matchups on the schedule, predictions and more.

Author:
Jon Wertheim
Publish date:
Jun 29, 2018

A man, nearly 37 years old, attempts to win the men’s title once again. A Romanian, fresh from her successful act in Paris, takes her one-woman show across the Channel. A Spaniard tries to continue his fine form with grass, not clay, underfoot. A Serb tries to reacquaint himself with greatness.

Tennis may be eclipsed a bit by the World Cup this month. But there’s a fine international sports tournament about to begin England. And every round is a knockout round.

Wimbledon 2018 starts Monday at the All England Club. In lieu of conventional seed reports, here’s an audio preview, as Jamie Lisanti and I talk about storylines, contenders and pretenders. Below, you'll also find some extra analysis on the draws.

Men’s draw

First round matches to watch

Stan Wawrinka vs. Grigor Dimitrov: Two top ten stalwarts meet immediately. A rough early test for Wawrinka’s health and durability

Roger Federer vs. Dusan Lajovic: In his first match, Federer gets a solid veteran opponent. And fans get dueling one-handed backhands.

Gael Monfils vs. Richard Gasquet: Two French soldiers—with contrasting styles—getting on in years. Speaking of civil war….

Stevie Johnson vs. John Isner: A likely second rounder pitting two Americans.

Frances Tiafoe vs. Fernando Verdasco: The forehand hitch special.

Andy Murray vs. Benoit Paire: Murray’s comeback starts against Captain Obvious.

Upset Special: None. What is either the beauty or the bane of 32 seeds, it’s hard to see a top 20 seed—especially under the grass formula—losing his first match. (Wawrinka d. Dimitrov notwithstanding, which doesn't count.)

Doubles Champion: Marcelo Melo and Lukasz Kubot.

Semifinals: Federer d. Cilic, Nadal d. Kyrgios

Final: Federer d. Nadal