Alcaraz in straight sets.
Ah, if we cast our gaze down the Wimbledon bracket, we find an interesting matchup indeed. A young Spanish phenom in Carlos Alcaraz and the unseeded Aleksandar Vukic.
Now, I don't know if it's the paella or the siestas, but Alcaraz is playing like a man possessed. Sweeping aside Lajal as easy as one, two, love. And let's not forget his victories over Zverev and Sinner, proving once and for all that Alcaraz doesn't mind shaking major limbs from the tennis tree.
Yes, yes, we had that unfortunate business with Draper, but everyone's entitled to a day off, right? Besides, if occasional bumpy performances were a crime, half of us wouldn't have jobs... including me!
On the other side of the net, we have Vukic. Our unseeded underdog with a fighting spirit. His recent run has been quite the roller coaster. Fierce victories over Ofner and Nishioka add a bit of glamour, but that loss to Fritz suggests even the brightest stars falter.
But this is Wimbledon, darlings! This isn't about who's the better player on paper. This is about who can control their nerves, who's got the bolder strokes, and who is in love with the smell of freshly cut grass in SW19.
Alright, enough with the metaphors. Based on Alcaraz's superior seeding, exceptional previous performances, and payout consideration, it looks like the Spaniard will be saying adiós to Vukic and hello to the next round.
Albert’s Prediction: Alcaraz in straight sets.