Predictor Picks: Why Fritz & De Minaur might be better picks than Sinner & Djokovic
The grass court season reaches its peak at Wimbledon, where the world’s best players can earn 2,000 points in the PIF ATP Rankings.
One year ago, Carlos Alcaraz won the title in a thrilling final against Novak Djokovic, and world number one Jannik Sinner reached the semi-finals. Alcaraz (2,000), Djokovic (1,200) and Sinner (720) defend a large chunk of points, making them the right choice in the PIF ATP Rankings Predictor.
Who would be a good choice for your team? ATPTour.com takes a look at three players to consider.
Make Your Choice Now!
Casper Ruud – dropped 45 points
The Norwegian star will be the first to tell you that grass is not his favorite place. The 25-year-old has only played 10 tour-level matches in his career.
But Ruud enters the Championship with the most wins of anyone on the ATP Tour this year (39) according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. With only 45 points to defend, it has plenty of net points to earn. If he can knock out grass court qualifier Alex Bolt in the first round, his path could be clear.
Eighth seed Ruud’s first opponent is 31st seed Mariano Navone, who has never competed in a major Wimbledon tournament.
[ATP APP]Alex de Minaur – down 45 points
Few competitors in professional tennis are as difficult to beat and match as De Minaur. Not only does the Australian bring a relentless fighting spirit to the pitch, but his superb pace also forces the opposition to make more balls. That could be especially important at Wimbledon, where De Minaur is the ninth seed.
In 2022, he made the fourth round of the event and the Aussie has claimed two of his nine ATP Tour titles on grass. Opening against lucky James Duckworth, the 25-year-old will try to get past his second round match since 2023.
Taylor Fritz – dropped 45 points
Fritz owns the biggest players in the sport and likes to play aggressively, making him a dangerous opponent on the grass. That showed in his results at the top, where he claimed two titles (both at Eastbourne). Fritz can add another Saturday when he plays for the trophy again at Rothesay International.
Two years ago, Fritz reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon and Rafael Nadal needed a similar break to advance. The American will be hungry to get back to that stage or go deep in SW19.
Bonus ball – Taylor Fritz
Of the three players featured in this PIF ATP Rankings Predictor Picks, Fritz may be the most dangerous at the Championships. At his peak, the American can dominate play against anyone on the ATP Tour.
Fritz showed good form to start the grass court season at Queen’s Club, where he reached the quarter-finals. With his run in the championship game at Eastbourne, win or lose, the 26-year-old will arrive in London with plenty of confidence. The 13th seed will begin his tournament with Aussie Christopher O’Connell.
Double the points you earn by choosing Fritz by placing your ‘Bonus Ball’ on the American in-form.
[NEWSLETTER FORM]Source link
