This has not been an easy year for Wimbledon predictions. But Alex Mann has done a decent job so far. Here are his thoughts about day 8.

Wimbledon predictions – Day 8, 2022

Day 7 saw the introduction of a new Wimbledon tradition. Middle Sunday, synonymous with being a day of rest, saw a full scheduled day of fourth-round matches for the first time.

Play at The All England Club has only occurred on Middle Sunday four times in its history, but this was the first time the day had been added to the Wimbledon schedule.

It seemed fitting that Wimbledon celebrated the 100th anniversary of the opening of Centre Court on this new day, intertwining the new with the old.

The ceremony’s highlight was the Parade of Champions, where past and present Wimbledon champions walked out onto Centre Court, greeted with cheers and applause from the packed-out crowd.

Former champions such as Angela Mortimer, Ann Jones, Rod Laver, Stefan Edberg, John McEnroe, Billie Jean-King and Chris Evert were among those participating in the celebration. They stood alongside active champions such as Novak Djokovic, Simona Halep, Angelique Kerber and Rafael Nadal. There was also a special appearance from Roger Federer who joined in the celebrations.

The former French Open Champion, Sue Barker, was given a standing ovation from the crowd in an emotional farewell after thirty years of Wimbledon commentary.

Let’s preview the second half of the fourth-round matches on Day 8 of The Championships.

Centre Court

Nick Kyrgios vs Brandon Nakashima

After a fiery encounter with Tsitsipas in the third round, Nick Kyrgios looks to equal his best-ever run at a slam with a Centre Court match against the young American, Brandon Nakashima. Nakashima has a great run this week, defeating last year’s semi-finalist Denis Shapovalov in four sets. Nakashima has an excellent all-court game but doesn’t have the weapons to knock Kyrgios off the court. The Australian has played some of his best tennis so far, serving big and crushing balls with his forehand while adding in the underarm serve for good measure.

Prediction – Kyrgios in 3 sets

Paula Badosa (4) vs Simona Halep (16)

Simona Halep is the only Wimbledon champion in the women’s draw and has been in fine form this week. She hasn’t dropped a set so far and seems to be rediscovering her level, which saw her lift the Venus Rosewater Dish in 2019. Badosa recorded a stunning victory over Petra Kvitova in the third round, so she will be full of confidence she can knock out another former Wimbledon champion. Halep’s counter-punching and defense are second to none, so Badosa’s attacking game will have to be consistent. As good as a run Badosa has had, Halep’s experience and grass-court game will help her overcome this battle.

Prediction – Halep in 2 sets

Rafael Nadal (2) vs Botic van de Zandschulp (21)

Nadal reminded us why he is a two-time Wimbledon champion as he dispatched Lorenzo Sonego, dropping only seven games. This will be another test for the Spaniard as he faces the big-hitting Botic van de Zandschulp. Zandschulp has risen in the rankings in the past two years and is now at a career-high of 25. He reached the semi-final of Queen’s, losing out to Berrettini, so he will give Nadal a good match. I think Botic can win a set, but Rafa’s level is too high for the Dutchman.

Prediction – Nadal in 4

Court 1

Elena Rybakina (17) vs Petra Martic

Both players have yet to drop a set all tournament, so this will be a fascinating matchup. In my women’s Wimbledon preview, I mentioned Rybakina is one player to look out for. She always delivers on the biggest stages, having made the second round of every slam since 2019. She possesses a big serve which has been very effective on the grass this week. The veteran, Petra Martic is making her 10th appearance at the All England Club. Her crafty game will work well against Rybakina’s first-strike tennis. This is difficult to predict, but the match is on Rybakina’s racquet, so I’ll give her the slight advantage.

Prediction – Rybakina in 3 sets

Taylor Fritz (11) vs Jason Kubler

Qualifier Jason Kubler’s fairy-tale run continues into the fourth round. The 29-year-old’s injury-filled career began more than ten years ago before it had a chance to start. The former junior world number one had to endure multiple knee surgeries and, at one point, considered hanging up the racquet and coaching the game instead. Now injury-free, the Australian has finally been able to show the tennis world his talent with impressive wins over Dan Evans and Jack Sock. Fritz has rapidly improved this year. He reached the fourth round of the Australian Open, won the Miami Masters and the grass-court title in Eastbourne two weeks ago. Kubler will challenge Fritz and make it a brawl, but I expect the American will be too much for the qualifier.

Prediction – Fritz in 4 sets

Amanda Anisimova (20) vs Harmony Tan

Anisimova produced some of her best tennis to beat Coco Guaff in three sets to reach the fourth round of a slam for the fourth time in her young career. Tan has also shown her talent, backing up her win against Serena Williams, and beating Sorribes Tormo and Boulter. Tan’s creativity and ability to change the pace of the rally could cause Anisimova real problems. That said, the American’s impeccable timing and devastating shots on both wings world class, so I think she will overpower Tan.

Prediction – Anisimova in 2 sets

Matches to watch

Alize Cornet vs Ajla Tomljanovic

Cornet performed flawlessly against the world number 1, Iga Swiatek, breaking her 37-match winning streak. The Frenchwoman seems to be playing her best tennis this year; she reached her first major quarter-final in Australia even though she played her first slam match back in 2005 as a 15-year-old. Tomljanovic reached the quarter-final last year and had an impressive win over Barbora Krej?íková in the previous round. This will be a battle, but I expect Cornet to come through with the victory.

Prediction – Cornet in 2 sets

Alex de Minaur (19) vs Cristian Garín

After an up and down year, Garin has had some impressive performances to reach the fourth round, but this will be a tough test against the speedy Australian, Alex de Minaur. Alex has only dropped one set this tournament and seems to be playing some of his best tennis.

Prediction – de Minaur in 3 sets