Best Matches: 3rd Round Preview, Wimbledon 2016

With only 32 players left in each draw, the 3rd Round of Wimbledon 2016 has some really exciting clashes to look forward to. We at Essentially Sports preview the Best Matches of the 3rd Round at Wimbledon 2016.

1. Djokovic (SRB) [1] vs S. Querrey (USA) [28]

The defending champion and World No.1 Novak Djokovic will be taking on the 28 seed Sam Querrey in the third round of Wimbledon 2016. Djokovic looks in impeccable form, having strolled through the first two rounds. Sam Querrey on the other hand has had an average year, with 20 wins and 14 losses through the season.

While Djokovic is going to be an extremely tough opponent to face, an inspiration Querrey should take is when he came down from a bagelled set to beat Djokovic in the Paris Masters four years ago.

Despite Djokovic’s form, we never know what Querrey might have in store for him, making this match very interesting.

2. Jack Sock (USA) [27] vs Milos Raonic (CAN) [6]

Milos Raonic, the sixth seed, will be looking for his first grand slam title and will face American Jack Sock in the third round of Wimbledon. The big serving Canadian has made big improvements in his game in the past 2 years, and has become an established player of the Top 10 ever since. At the same time, Jack Sock has had a decent 2016, having notched up 15 wins and will look to cause Raonic some trouble.

While their head to head goes in Raonic’s favour, their matches have been rather close. Since Sock possesses a big serve as well, it’s going to be a test for Raonic’s return game, something he has been rather weak at. Sock, a former Wimbledon doubles champion would look to cause an upset and reach a career best showing in a grand slam.

3. Cibulkova (SVK) [19] vs E. Bouchard (CAN)

The pair have met twice in the past, with Bouchard winning both the ties in sets of three. It’s going to be a battle of the aggressors when the two meet in the third round. Bouchard, a 2014 Wimbledon finalist had a horrible 2015 and will look to bounce back and taste success on the tour. Backed to be the future of Women’s Tennis, she has failed to live up to expectations despite her potential to win big. Meanwhile Cibulkova, who reached the 2014 Australian Open final is considered a dark horse and can be a threat to any and every player on the tour.

Both the players possess extremely powerful groundstrokes and it is expected that the match will have winners galore. A match involving two players with equal capabilities, Cibulkova vs Bouchard will be a treat to watch.

4. J. Isner (USA) [18] vs J-W. Tsonga (FRA) [12]

John Isner is probably the biggest server in the tour. Measuring a mammoth 6 feet 10 inches, Isner has a game which is heavily reliant on serves, and possesses a massive forehand. Going with a positive head to head into the match will give him some confidence. Tsonga on the other hand possesses a strong baseline play and a powerful serve. The Frenchman has the ability to win big points, and has saved 67% of the break points he has faced in his career, a marvellous achievement.

While Isner must exploit Tsonga’s weak return of serve, he must be aware of the over reliance of his own serve. With a strong matchup on the cards, the two players will have to battle it out to grab a spot in the 4 round of The Championships.