Thursday's Tennis Stars Preview

LONDON — The fourth day of Wimbledon 2024 promises thrilling action as Novak Djokovic, Jack Draper, Iga Swiatek, and Jannik Sinner headline the schedule. With rain delays causing some backlog, Thursday’s matches will be crucial in shaping the tournament’s narrative. Here’s everything you need to know about the key matchups and storylines.

Novak Djokovic Continues His Quest for History

Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic returns to Centre Court to face Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in the second round. Djokovic, who underwent knee surgery just weeks before the tournament, looked sharp in his opening match against Vit Kopriva, winning in straight sets. "I’m feeling better every day," Djokovic said post-match. "The knee responded well, and I’m ready to push forward."

Popyrin, ranked 47th, presents a tougher challenge with his powerful serve and aggressive baseline play. Djokovic leads their head-to-head 2-0, but the Australian pushed him to four sets at the 2023 Australian Open. Key factors to watch:

  • Djokovic’s movement on grass post-surgery
  • Popyrin’s ability to capitalize on break points
  • The Serbian’s mental resilience in tight moments

British Hopes Rest on Jack Draper

Home favorite Jack Draper takes on Sweden’s Elias Ymer in what could be a defining match for the young Brit. Draper, fresh off his first ATP title in Stuttgart, dismantled qualifier Elias Ymer in the first round. "Playing at Wimbledon is always special," Draper said. "I’m feeling confident and want to give the crowd something to cheer about."

Ymer, a qualifier, is no pushover, having beaten higher-ranked opponents this season. However, Draper’s lefty serve and improved fitness make him the favorite. A win here could set up a potential third-round clash with Carlos Alcaraz.

Iga Swiatek Aims for Grass-Court Breakthrough

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek faces Petra Martic in her second-round match. Swiatek, dominant on clay and hard courts, has yet to replicate that success on grass. Despite this, she dispatched Sofia Kenin comfortably in her opener. "I’m learning with every match," Swiatek admitted. "Grass is tricky, but I’m adapting."

Martic, a seasoned grass-court player, could test Swiatek’s movement. The Pole will need to:

  • Shorten points with aggressive returns
  • Improve her first-serve percentage
  • Stay patient in rallies

Jannik Sinner’s Smooth Transition to Grass

Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner meets Matteo Berrettini in a blockbuster second-round clash. Sinner, now a Grand Slam winner, has seamlessly transitioned to grass, dropping just five games in his first-round win. "I love the challenge of adapting to different surfaces," Sinner said. "Berrettini is a great player, but I’m ready."

Berrettini, a former Wimbledon finalist, brings a massive serve and heavy forehand. Their only previous meeting went to Sinner, but grass favors the Italian’s game. This match could be one of the tournament’s highlights.

Other Matches to Watch

Coco Gauff vs. Anca Todoni

US Open champion Coco Gauff takes on Romanian qualifier Anca Todoni. Gauff, a quarterfinalist last year, is expected to advance but must avoid complacency against the 19-year-old Todoni, who impressed in her Wimbledon debut.

Daniil Medvedev vs. Alexandre Muller

Fifth seed Daniil Medvedev faces France’s Alexandre Muller. Medvedev, a semifinalist in 2023, struggled in his opener but should find rhythm against Muller, who has never gone past the second round at a major.

Conclusion

Day four at Wimbledon is packed with must-watch matches, from Djokovic’s pursuit of an eighth title to Draper’s bid for British glory. Swiatek and Sinner look to solidify their grass-court credentials, while Gauff and Medvedev aim to avoid upsets. With unpredictable weather looming, players will need to stay sharp—both on and off the court.

"Every match at Wimbledon is a battle," Djokovic remarked earlier this week. "You have to bring your best, no matter the opponent." Thursday’s play will test that mantra to the fullest.