Brown should put up a fight against Murray

A Murray v D Brown
Defending champion Andy Murray put fears surrounding his hip injury behind him when recording a routine win over Alexander Bublik in his opener but the Briton may have to dig deeper to see off the entertaining Dustin Brown in his second-round match.

Murray’s price for All England glory had drifted alarmingly in the build-up to the tournament - with bookmakers pushing him out to as big as 6-1 from 11-4 - but the world number one kept his hopes of securing a third Wimbledon crown alive and proved to his supporters he is fit enough to do himself justice.

The Briton was seen to limp between points but when the ball was in play he pounced and the quirky Bublik was simply outclassed. However, the victory against the Russian lucky-loser told us precious little and the athleticism of Brown may push the fragile Murray that extra yard.

The giant German is unpredictable. He is blessed with a dangerous serve-and-volley game and it’s very effective on this faster surface. The 32-year-old year old comes into the net at every opportunity and Murray will be made to work harder than when comfortably taking care of youngster Bublik.

Brown made a name for himself when springing a surprise on Rafael Nadal in 2015, knocking out the Spaniard in their second round battle, and he proved that performance was no fluke by taking the talented Nick Kyrgios to a deciding set 12 months ago.

Murray should ultimately outclass Brown but whether he is in good enough shape to whitewash the German remains to be seen. Take the defending champ to win but drop a set.

Recommendation
A Murray to win 3-1
1pt bet365, Betway

J Janowicz v L Pouille
Lucas Pouille reached the last eight at the All England Club last year and the progressive Frenchman should have little problem seeing off towering Pole Jerzy Janowicz in his second-round clash.

Pouille defeated Queen’s hero Feliciano Lopez in the final of the Stuttgart Open last month to claim his first ranking title on the turf and he should be competing for Grand Slam success in the years to come.

The 23-year-old is often considered to be better on a slower surface, but wins over Juan Martin del Potro and big-serving Bernard Tomic at this event last year show how versatile he can be and his class should shine through.

Janowicz was a Wimbledon semi-finalist in 2013 but he has been on a steady decline and hasn’t gone beyond the third round in a Grand Slam since.

The giant Pole’s win over teenage sensation Denis Shapovalov in round one was a step back in the right direction but he can become over-reliant on his powerful serve and is some way behind Pouille in every other aspect of his game.

Pouille may surpass expectations at this year’s championship and should win by at least two sets.

Recommendation
L Pouille -1.5 sets on handicap
2pts 4-5 Boylesports

Elena Vesnina is a powerful hitterCredit: Clive Brunskill

V Azarenka v E Vesnina
Two-time Grand Slam heroine Viktoria Azarenka stepped back from tennis after last year’s French Open to ready herself for the arrival of her baby and the effects of that long spell away from the game may tell in her tussle with Elena Vesnina.

The former world number one - now as low as 668 in the rankings - is back on court just seven months after giving birth to her son and it may be too optimistic to expect her to return at her best.

The Belarusian impressed in her deciding set triumph over Cici Bellis on Monday but the American is just 18 years of age and experience seemed to get the better of her.

Vesnina is one of the most consistent operators on the tour and she was equally impressive in downing talented teen Anna Blinkova in round one. The Russian reached the semifinals 12 months ago, losing little in defeat to the dominant Serena Williams, and with less to prove should probably be favourite.

Azarenka - a two-time Wimbledon semi-finalist - has won all seven meetings between the pair but she’s had little court time of late and Vesnina has improved no end since then.

Recommendation
E Vesnina
1pt 13-8 general

C Giorgi v M Keys
Imposing American Madison Keys has been plagued by injuries but she has endless potential and can book her place in round three by brushing aside Italian Camila Giorgi.

The 22-year-old has not had as much as an impact on tour as was first predicted but her playing time has been limited and if she can stay fit she will soon be challenging at the top level.

Keys is back in the care of former Wimbledon queen Lindsay Davenport and their partnership should reignite success.

The American took just 68 minutes to see off Japan's Nao Hibino in her curtain-raiser, while Giorgi battled for two hours and 30 minutes to overcome Alize Cornet and the fresher legs should prevail.

Keys reached the quarter-finals in 2015 and forced Simona Halep to a deciding set in round four last year.

Recommendation
M Keys
2pts 4-7 Betway