The Wimbledon is hours away from kicking off on the beautiful courts of SW19. Fans are eager to see the return of Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu to the most prestigious event on the calendar, and the draw makers certainly did not disappoint. With some spicy first-round matches scheduled on Day 1, viewers are going to be glued to their screens.

Raducanu’s initial clash against Ekaterina Alexandrova was bound to be promising. However, after latter’s withdrawal, she will face Renata Zarazua. Naomi Osaka has also been drawn to face the dangerous Diane Parry from France. On top of that, two former slam champions, Sloane Stephens and Victoria Azarenka, are locking horns on Court 2 today!

Wimbledon Day 1 Predictions including Emma Raducanu and Naomi Osaka

Emma Raducanu vs Renata Zarazua

Raducanu’s matches are always hard to predict. She showed her high ceiling by beating an in-form Jessica Pegula in Eastbourne. However, the poor showing against Kasatkina the following day was concerning. Zarazua, however, hasn’t resisted any big wins on the grass this year. She might fancy her chances against an undercooked Raducanu, but the Brit shall prevail with the home crowd behind her.  Raducanu to win in 2 sets and within 20 games.

Naomi Osaka vs Diane Parry

Osaka has made regular improvements ever since returning to the tour. Prior to this year, her results on natural surfaces were substandard, but the French Open clash against Iga Swiatek was arguably the season-changing tie. A 2-2 win-loss record on grass this year might not be convincing, but she certainly has tools for this surface. Parry, meanwhile, can trouble Naomi with her slices while challenging her movement at the same time. Her semi-final result in Nottingham will do her confidence a world of good coming into this fixture. Osaka to win in 3 sets in a rather close deciding set.

Victoria Azarenka vs Sloane Stephens

We don’t often see two former Grand Slam champions in the first round of a major, but that’s the beauty of the WTA. However, to tennis fans’ disappointment, this tie might not go the distance. The two players arrive at Wimbledon with a highly contrasting set of results. Azarenka making the Berlin semi-finals while beating Maria Sakkari and Elena Rybakina (albeit owing to retirement) will emerge as a tough matchup for Sloane. The American’s 4-6 win-loss record on grass this decade makes her a heavy underdog for a match against an in-form Azarenka. Azarenka to win in 2 comfortable sets against Stephens.

Paula Badosa vs Karolina Muchova

Badosa and Muchova have had a rough last 10 months or so. Injuries and physical struggles have kept them out of the game for long. However, Wimbledon could turn out to be the turning point of their season. Badosa put on a decent show in Bad Homburg with a quarter-final appearance. Muchova registered a similar performance in Eastbourne before taking a precautionary exit from the tournament. The matchup depends more on their physical fitness than their racquet play. Given Muchova’s recent history and withdrawal from Eastbourne, Badosa might have an edge for today’s clash. Badosa to win in 3 sets.