Novak Djokovic versus Tim van Rijthoven: Preview, head-to-head, and prediction

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2 years ago

Here is the preview of the matchup between Novak Djokovic and Tim van Rijthoven at the 2022 Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic

The Serbian has stormed into the Round of 16 after victories over Kwon Soon-woo, Thanasi Kokkinakis, and Miomir Kecmanovic, in the first three rounds respectively.. The defending champion won his first-round match 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

In the next couple of matches, Djokovic has not dropped a set. He defeated Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-1, 6-4, 6-2. Against his fellow countryman Miomir Kecmanovic, the 20-time Grand Slam champion looked at his best, as he schooled the talented youngster 6-0, 6-3, 6-4.

The 6-time Wimbledon winner will be up against Tim van Rijthoven in the Round of 16. The Dutchman had never won a match on the main ATP tour just three weeks ago. Currently, he holds five victories over players in the top 30. Right before Wimbledon 2022, Rijthoven was given a wildcard to the ‘s-Hertogenbosch’ tournament. He managed to defeat the top players like Felix Auger-Aliassime, Taylor Fritz, and Daniil Medvedev to clinch his first ATP title.

How has the campaign gone so far for Tim van Rijthoven?

Tim van Rijthoven (Twitter)

The 25-year-old defeated the 2022 Argentina Open semifinalist Federico Delbonis in straight sets 7-6 (9-7), 6-1, 6-2. He followed it up with another stunning performance against Reilly Opelka, who has won the Dallas Open and the Houston Open earlier this year.

In the third round, Rijthoven continued with his rich vein of form ousting the 22nd seed Nikoloz Basilashvili with relative ease 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. Rijthoven will have to carry on and even up the level of exemplary tennis he has displayed over the last few matches by a few notches to give the 20-time Grand Slam winner a tough time. However, Djokovic fans will hope that the fairytale run for Rijthoven comes to a halt against the former World No. 1.

Head-to-Head

Novak Djokovic and Tim van Rijthoven have not faced each other before. This will be their first meeting, so the head-to-head will sway in one direction only after the match ends. Which way will it go?

Prediction

Novak Djokovic is the overwhelming favorite heading into the match. Rijthoven will have to play the best tennis he has ever played to stun the veteran. We are predicting Djokovic to win in straight sets, but expect the youngster to have his moments of brilliance.