On Tuesday, Wimbledon wildcard Stan Wawrinka takes on former finalist Matteo Berrettini in one of the most intriguing first-round men’s singles matches this year.
Wawrinka, now 41 and in the final season of his professional career, has not played on grass since his second-round SW19 exit at the hands of Gael Monfils two years ago.
The three‑time Grand Slam champion has struggled at majors recently, losing four of his last five opening‑round matches - including a four‑set defeat to Jesper de Jong at Roland Garros last month.
Yet the Swiss star has suffered few stumbles at Wimbledon, with a 2017 first-round defeat as the fifth seed to Daniil Medvedev explained by a knee injury.
2021 SW19 runner-up Berrettini, meanwhile, is coming off his best performance at a major since the 2022 US Open, albeit one in which he exited under a cloud.
After battling his way through four rounds in Paris, the 30-year-old retired from his all-Italian French Open quarter-final clash against Matteo Arnaldi because of a hip problem.
He withdrew from the Stuttgart Open and has not played on grass since a five-set defeat to Kamil Majchrzak in the first round at Wimbledon last year.
Berrettini only received an automatic place in the main draw when Lorenzo Musetti dropped out because, although he is now ranked inside the top 50, he was outside the top 100 at the cut-off date.
Both possess huge weapons, with Wawrinka's backhand still a thing of beauty and Berrettini's inside-out forehand deployed as a devastating follow-up to his booming serve.
Expect momentum swings, heavy hitting and plenty of tension in their first-ever career meeting.
Stan Wawrinka v Matteo Berrettini Tips Summary
Best Bet - Stan Wawrinka +4.5 games handicap @ 4/6
Alternative Bet - Five Sets - Yes @ 12/5
Bet Builder - Matteo Berrettini to win 3‑2, Matteo Berrettini 15+ aces & Over 0.5 tie breaks @ 6/1
Stan Wawrinka v Matteo Berrettini Prediction
Best Bet: Stan Wawrinka +4.5 games handicap @ 4/6
In the twilight of his career, Wawrinka remains fiercely competitive. He has dropped down to Challenger Tour level this season and played in qualifying for main tour events.
His results have not been impressive, but there is little doubt he would not have accepted the All England Club's invite if he thought he could not win a match or two.
Berrettini is the rightful favourite, but his recent injury retirement at Roland Garros raises questions about whether he can overpower a wily old pro like Wawrinka.
Even when healthy, the Italian often starts slowly, and his backhand slice can leave him vulnerable in longer rallies.
Wawrinka's experience, shot‑making and ability to raise his level on big courts should ensure he remains competitive enough to keep this contest close.
Alternative Bet: Five Sets - Yes @ 12/5
Berrettini's recent results cannot be ignored as he has won four of his last six matches, including straight‑sets victories over Juan Manuel Cerundolo, Arthur Rinderknech and Marton Fucsovics.
His other win at Roland Garros was a fluctuating five-setter against Francisco Comesana, which he took 15-13 in a deciding tie-break.
There is a good chance that his survival instinct kicks in again on Tuesday when he shares the spotlight with Wawrinka for the first time.
Both players have shown a clear pattern of playing extended matches recently. Wawrinka has not won a straight‑sets match at a Slam since 2024 and Berrettini's last three Slam victories have all featured dropped sets.
The Italian's serve gives him a reliable foundation, but his movement and fitness remain question marks.
Wawrinka’s backhand can exploit Berrettini's slice exchanges and his ability to slip into unplayable mode for short spells could see him force a decider.
Stan Wawrinka v Matteo Berrettini Bet Builder
Matteo Berrettini to win 3‑2
Matteo Berrettini 15+ aces
Over 0.5 tie breaks
Pays 6/1
Wawrinka has taken sets in three of his last four matches, and Berrettini has played multiple five‑setters at Slams in recent years.
The Italian's recent performance against Comesana at Roland Garros suggests he can clinch a deciding‑set victory if this goes long.
Berrettini routinely hits 15–25 aces on grass. His serve is one of the most dominant in the sport and Wawrinka's deep return position invites ace‑heavy serving.
Both players hold serve at elite rates and Berrettini's matches on grass frequently feature tie‑breaks. With two top-class servers in action, at least one tie-break feels highly likely.
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Key Match Stats
Stan Wawrinka has won four of his last five opening matches at Wimbledon
Matteo Berrettini reached the 2021 Wimbledon final and has a 14-6 record at SW19
Wawrinka has not won a straight‑sets match at a Slam since 2024
Berrettini has won over 80% of service games this season
Three of Wawrinka's last four completed matches went beyond straight sets
Berrettini has hit 153 aces in his last 10 grass‑court matches
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
