Five days into Wimbledon, and there have already been a number of top seed upsets. Both the men’s and the women’s draws have seen some interesting losses that have created wide open draws from some people and ambiguity for others. Let’s take a look at these Wimbledon upsets and see who’s out, but more importantly who’s benefitting?
WOMEN
Upset: Ana Ivanovic
Who’s Benefitting: Victoria Azarenka
Bethanie Mattek-Sands, more known for her impressive doubles play and her ridiculous outfits, played her best singles match of her career against Ivanovic. She controlled the points with her big serve and offensive play. Ivanovic found herself at a loss and wound up losing the match in straight sets, 6-3 6-4.
With Ivanovic out of the way, a #23 seeded Azarenka has a clearer path to a quarterfinal matchup against Serena Williams. Azarenka has only gotten stronger since she has returned, even pushing Serena to three sets in the French Open. We have our fingers crossed for this always exciting matchup.
Who’s out: Simona Halep
Who’s benefitting: Sabine Lisicki
Halep has struggled to defend her stellar 2014. She has won only won one match in the past two majors combined. Looking a little burned out from overplaying this year, Halep was not there mentally. Cepelova was able to capitalize on this, beating out the #3 in three sets.
Halep’s early exit opens up the draw for the grass-court lover Lisicki. If Lisicki plays like she did in her third set against McHale (but NOT in the two sets before), I believe that there is a very good chance we’ll see her in the semifinals against Kvitova.
Who’s out: Eugenie Bouchard
Who’s benefitting: Madison Keys
Bouchard just can’t catch a break this year, unable to win even one match in the past two majors. Her already shattered confidence took a serious beating when she lost to qualifier Duan in straight sets on Monday. This is especially upsetting given her Wimbledon finals appearance only last year.
With Bouchard out, rising American star Madison Keys has a good look at a quarterfinal spot against Kvitova.
MEN
Who’s out: Rafael Nadal
Who’s benefitting: Who knows
Nadal has not made a good run at Wimbledon in a few years. Even so, we find ourselves rooting for him and are always shocked when he bows out early. Dustin Brown came out swinging, firing away big serves and aggressive play to take down the former Wimbledon Champion in four sets.
From what I can tell, Nadal’s loss creates ambiguity in his quarter of the draw. It’s not particularly clear who will be joining a potential Andy Murray in the quarterfinals.
Who’s out: Kei Nishikori
Who’s benefitting: Novak Djokovic
Nishikori unfortunately withdrew earlier this week with a left calf injury. It’s always upsetting to see such a tough competitor succumb to injury, but we hope that he recovers and is in good form going into the US Open.
Djokovic has an even more open draw with the #5 seed Nishikori out of the draw. There is a good chance the #1 won’t be tested until the semifinals.
