Wimbledon, Day 6: Five Matches To Watch

After Day 6 sees the conclusion of third round action, tennis takes a day off for the traditional rest on the middle Sunday of Wimbledon.
So binge today while you have the chance.
1. No. 33 Philipp Petzschner (GER) vs No. 2 Rafael Nadal (ESP) -- Philipp Petzschner has some definite mental toughness issues in his past, but he’s already won two five-setters this week. He has the shots and the aggressiveness to challenge Nadal, who already showed in his second round match against Robin Haase that he’s vulnerable to big, aggressive hitters. But in order to beat Nadal, Petzschner will not only have to play incredibly well, he’ll also have to be the mentally stronger of the two. And that’s a category I’m just not sure he can ever win against Nadal. Ever.
2. Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) vs No. 16 Maria Sharapova (RUS) -- Maria Sharapova has looked sharp thus far against fairly unspectacular competition, but may get a little rattled by the often erratic play of veteran Barbora Zahlavova Strycova. Sharapova should come out of the blocks to try to make a statement before her next match, which would almost certainly be against No. 1 Serena Williams. But BZS is known as an agitator, and may very well make things uncomfortable for Sharapova before all is said and done.
3. Xavier Malisse (BEL) vs No. 18 Sam Querrey (USA) -- One of only two Americans remaining on the men’s side, Sam Querrey will be trying to make the second week at a Grand Slam for only the second time in his career against the vastly more experienced Malisse. Querrey has the advantage of having beaten Malisse just two weeks ago in the Queen’s Club tournament, a title Querrey eventually won. If he doesn’t force himself to get into too many deep, tumultuous sets, I like Querrey’s chances. But if it’s not an easy match, I think Malisse will take it on experience.
4. No. 3 Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) vs No. 29 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) -- My upset special for the day. I had Pavlyuchenkova winning this match in my bracket initially, since I just don’t think Wozniacki’s game is aggressive enough to succeed on the grass. Pavlyuchenkova, on the other hand, is an extremely aggressive player who seems poised for a breakout performance at a slam. I like her chances immensely, especially since playing on a smaller venue like Court 2 should be more conducive to pulling off the upset.
5. Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA) vs Thiemo De Bakker (NED) -- Especially if Petzschner can pull off a shock against Nadal, this one could be a very important match. Thiemo de Bakker has quietly been having an incredibly solid 2010, likely spurred on by an incredible performance for the Dutch in a Davis Cup playoff match-up with France last fall. Both Mathieu and de Bakker were extremely successful juniors, but Mathieu is too old for that to matter much, whereas De Bakker is still only 21. de Bakker also had his biggest success as a junior at Wimbledon, as he won the title there on the grass in 2006. de Bakker made quick work of John Isner yesterday, and don’t be surprised to see him do the same today.