Three to See, Day 1: No easing into Wimbledon for Rafa, Stan and Konta

Each day of the tournament, we'll preview and predict three must-see matches at Wimbledon.

RAFAEL NADAL [4] VS. JOHN MILLMAN

Nadal’s last match came in the French Open final; Millman’s came in the second round at the Ilkley Challenger. That should be enough to set the tone for the second contest on No. 1 Court on Monday. Nadal and Millman, a 28-year-old Australian ranked No. 120, have never played. Their first encounter will be interesting to most for what it says about Rafa’s chances on grass. The last time he played on the surface, in 2015, he lost in the second round here to Dustin Brown. Nadal’s level is much higher now than he was then, but we won’t have an idea of what that means at Wimbledon until he steps onto the court there.

Winner: Nadal

STAN WAWRINKA [5] VS. DANIIL MEDVEDEV

In taking a set from Novak Djokovic in a Davis Cup tie earlier this year, Medvedev, a 21-year-old Russian, showed that he’s a shotmaker—unorthodox, yes, but the timing is there. This summer he’s shown that his unorthodox style works best on grass. Medvedev reached the quarters in ’s-Hertogenbosch and Queen’s, and the semis in Eastbourne, where he lost to Djokovic again. He has never played Wawrinka, but he could pose a problem or two for the Swiss in their late match on Centre Court.

Winner: Wawrinka

JOHANNA KONTA [6] VS. SU-WEI HSIEH

Konta must be wondering if she’ll ever catch a break on her home soil. She’s the top Brit, and has been among the top players in the world this year, but she’s 1-5 at Wimbledon, and she’s coming into this year’s event having suffered a neck injury after a painful fall in Eastbourne. Plus, Konta will have to play the woman who beat her in the first round at the French Open last month, who won their only meeting on grass and who has been a Wimbledon doubles champion. Hsieh is ranked just 101st, but Konta may need all the support she can get to beat her in the late match on No. 1 Court.

Winner: Konta

**—GRAND SLAM WEEK: Watch Wimbledon Primetime on Tennis Channel, and catch up on the other 2017 Grand Slams on Tennis Channel Plus

—Watch encores from the 2017 French Open and Australian Open on Tennis Channel Plus, including matches like the AO Final showdown between Serena & Venus Williams**