Wimbledon 2013: Five second round ladies matches to watch

Drama, upsets, exhilaration, disappointment – the first round of Wimbledon this year has seen it all.

The second round arrives with the blink of an eye as we are still reeling from some of the shocks that Wimbledon has witnessed right from Day 1. Are there more shocks in store? How would the contenders match up against some of the pretenders? Would the young guns continue to make their steady, intrepid march into the third round? Which are the most anticipated matches?

We look at the possible answers to all these questions as we examine the ladies draw and pinpoint these potentially exciting encounters.

Ana Ivanovic of Serbia celebrates a point during her Women’s Singles match against Virginie Razzano of France on day one of the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 24, 2013 in London, England. (Getty Images)

Sabine Lisicki (23) v Elena Vesnina (Head-to-head: Lisicki leads 2-1)

This should perhaps be labelled as the most sizzling match-up. One of these ladies has made her name thanks to her perpetually sizzling form on the pristine courts of SW19 and one of them has arrived here on a sizzling run. Who will catch fire early and engulf the other? Who will show greater tenacity and last the distance? This match throws up loads of questions.

Russian Elena Vesnina is on a high after capturing the Roland Garros doubles title and has amazingly translated the confidence into success on the grasscourts of Eastbourne. Blustery conditions, a young fearless opponent – nothing seemed to deter her. But Wimbledon makes Sabine Lisicki the best she can be. Time and again she has delivered upsets and in her first round match her movement, shot selection, serve – everything seemed impeccable. That would push her into the third round.

Prediction: Lisicki wins in three sets.

Ana Ivanovic (12) v Eugenie Bouchard (Head-to-head: First meeting)

This one is for the shutterbugs. The charismatic Ana Ivanovic has her own brigade of fans and the lovely Canadian No. 1 Eugenie Bouchard is establishing her own army of admirers. Would experience prevail or will audacity win?

For the 19-year-old Bouchard it might not entirely be an insuperable task. She might be still new on the senior Tour but she knows how to win on grass like she did last year in the junior Wimbledon Championships or this year when she turned around her first round match against Galina Voskoboeva and secured her first main draw win. She can also draw inspiration from her best friend Laura Robson who ousted Maria Kirilenko.

But even though the slick grass is not the most favourable surface for Ivanovic, the former Wimbledon semi-finalist has loads of experience, which will work positively for her. Besides, the former world no. 1 is desperate to break into the Top 10 once more.

Prediction: Ivanovic wins in three sets.