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By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, July 1, 2015

 
Roger Federer

Roger Federer faces Sam Querrey for the first time since the 2008 Roland Garros.

Photo credit: CameraSport/Stephen White

On each day of the Wimbledon we will preview three matches to watch, plus provide notes and numbers to keep you well-equipped for the day ahead.

SEE THE COMPLETE DAY 1 SCHEDULE HERE

1. (2) Roger Federer (SUI) vs. Sam Querrey (USA), 2nd Match Centre Court

The seven-time Wimbledon champion meets 2010 Queen's Club champion Querrey for the first time in seven years. Federer has not dropped a set in two prior meetings; this is their first encounter on grass.

Both are at their best dictating off the first serve and first forehand strike: Federer is fifth on the ATP in first-serve points won (79 percent), while Querrey is eighth in that category (78 percent). Federer is the smoother mover, the more accomplished all-court player and he typically backs his second serve up better. Querrey can crush the first serve, but does not always show the confidence and accuracy on his second serve. The 6-foot-6 American is not as comfortable moving forward; look for Federer to use the angled slice at times to draw the American forward. Former world No. 17 Querrey is 0-8 lifetime against Top 10 opponents in Grand Slam matches.

2. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) vs. (10) Angelique Kerber, 1st Match Court No. 18

The first grass-court clash between the pair pits Pavlyuchenkova's power-based baseline aggression against Kerber's counter-strike skills driving the ball down the line.

They have split six prior meetings, but the lower-bouncing grass should favor the sturdy German, who uses her leg strength so well digging out low balls. The world No. 10 is the more accomplished grass-court player: Kerber was a 2012 Wimbledon semifinalist, reached the quarterfinals last year and warmed up for Wimbledon winning Birmingham. Interestingly, the 2011 U.S. Open was a major turning point for both women. Since reaching the 2011 Flushing Meadows quarterfinals, Pavlyuchenkova has not surpassed the third round of a Grand Slam. Kerber, who made her breakthrough advancing to the 2011 U.S. Open semifinals, has reached at least the fourth round in nine of her last 14 major starts.

3. Dustin Brown (GER) vs. (10) Rafael Nadal (ESP), 3rd Match Centre Court

Two-time Wimbledon champion Nadal craves the rhythm that comes from rallies, but playing the explosive Brown can be a bit like playing musical chairs without the music.

After Brown dismissed Nadal, 6-4, 6-1, in 59 minutes on grass in Halle last summer, Nadal said "I can't really talk about how I played because I just didn't play at all."

The 6-foot-5, loose-limbed Brown is at his best cracking his first serve, mixing his attack and denying opponents any rhythm at all. Brown, who may well lead the ATP in drop shots, can be an entertaining shot-maker, but knows he likely can't win a baseline battle here. Look for Nadal to pound the German-Jamaican's forehand, which is his most vulnerable shot.

By the Numbers

3 Number of former Wimbledon boys' champions in action on Thursday: Roger Federer, Gael Monfils and Nicolas Mahut.

5 Number of Wimbledon quarterfinals Sabine Lisicki has contested; the 2013 finalist has not reached the last eight in 21 career appearances at the other majors.

21-1 Andy Murray's record since marrying long-time girlfriend Kim Sears last spring.

55 Nicolas Mahut's career victories on grass, which is second to Henri Leconte (60-33) for most grass-court wins in the Open Era by a Frenchman.

63 Roger Federer's Open Era record for most consecutive Grand Slam appearances, including 17 straight Wimbledon starts.

125 Speed (in MPH) of the fastest women's serve of the tournament struck by Lucie Hradecka in her opening-round loss to Agnieszka Radwanska.


 

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