Jannik Sinner, the reigning Australian Open champion, is set to face off against Aleksandar Vukic in the second round of Wimbledon on Thursday. Although Carlos Alcaraz is touted as the tournament favorite, Sinner ranks as the second-choice contender and is eager to continue his pursuit of a title.
The matchup against Vukic presents an interesting challenge for Sinner, who boasts a strong record against the Australian, having never dropped a set to him in their previous encounters. Currently ranked 93rd globally—a drop from a career high of 48—Vukic has struggled in 2025 with a 6-15 record, despite a recent first-round victory over Chun-Hsing Tseng. With Sinner being the best player on hard courts and a leading contender on grass, expectations lean heavily in his favor, especially in a tournament known for unexpected outcomes.
Meanwhile, the all-American clash between Brandon Nakashima and Reilly Opelka also promises to be a thrilling encounter. Opelka, standing at 7 feet tall, is known for his formidable first serve, which complicates matters for any opponent. Nakashima, currently ranked 34th, has shown solid form on grass this year, making it to the quarterfinals in both Stuttgart and Queen’s Club. Their previous matchups have resulted in a split, adding intrigue to this next contest. Although the grass typically favors big servers like Opelka, Nakashima’s current momentum could give him the edge.
Pundits, Cheryl and Ricky, both predict that Sinner and Nakashima will win their respective matches, suggesting a string of strong performances from both leading players as the tournament progresses.
This Wimbledon marks a critical moment for these competitors, where not only titles are at stake, but also opportunities to cement their standings and reputations within the sport. As they navigate through their matches, fans remain hopeful for thrilling displays of athleticism and skill on the iconic grass courts.