Wimbledon draw: Nick Kyrgios, Andy Murray & Co - Which first-round opponents you would like to do without
Like the draw for the French Open, the draw for Wimbledon promises one thing above all: high tension. This time, however, it is primarily because a number of dangerous first-round opponents could be waiting for the top stars.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Jun 22, 2022, 11:47 am
Who would be the worst first-round opponents at Wimbledon 2022 for the 32 seeded players? The quick answer: Andy Muray and Nick Kyrgios. The long one: not that easy. Although the Australian enfant terrible and the two-time Wimbledon winner Murray (rightly) lead the list of extremely unpleasant potential first-round opponents, there are at least a few honorable mentions behind them in view of the special laws of lawn tennis.
But let's stay with Nick Kyrgios for now. In HalleWestfalen, the Australian just missed getting seeded status for the third major event of the year in the last impression. With his semi-finals at the ATP 500 event, however, he once again underlined - not that this confirmation was even necessary - that he can be expected on grass at any time.
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Murray and Otte unseeded
The same undoubtedly applies to Andy Murray, who played well in Stuttgart a week earlier, but not only suffered a defeat in the final against Matteo Berrettini, but also suffered a setback in terms of physical fitness. And therefore had to cancel for the ATP 500 event in the Queen's Club. If the Scot can continue the performance at the beginning of the clay court season, the former world number one can definitely be counted on.
Then there is also Oscar Otte, who recently produced some great lawn tennis and was able to reach the semi-finals in HalleWestfalen. The German is just outside the top 32 - and will therefore start the race unseeded in Wimbledon. An opponent that Djokovic, Nadal & Co should wish for anything but early on their way.
Tim van Rijthoven, the premiere winner
The only title winner of the last few weeks in this list is the previously unknown Tim van Rijthoven. The Dutchman triumphed sensationally in s'Hertogenbosch and thus secured a wildcard for the third major event of the year. With victories over Felix Auger-Alissime and Daniil Medvedev, the Dutchman made a name for himself at the ATP 250 event.
Equipped with a versatile serve, Sam Querrey and Feliciano Lopez shouldn't be pleasant opening opponents either. Alexander Bublik, on the other hand, is an opponent who will find it difficult to prepare as a surprise bag. One thing is certain, apart from Nick Kyrgios and Andy Murray, there are some players in Wimbledon 2022 who could become a stumbling block very early on.