Shintaro Mochizuki vs Giulio Zeppieri

ATP Wimbledon – 1st Round
Shintaro Mochizuki vs Giulio Zeppieri

🧠 Form & Context

• Shintaro Mochizuki
  🌱 Grass breakthrough: 10 wins from his last 12 matches this swing, including a Challenger final in Nottingham, a semi in Ilkley, and three Wimbledon qualifying victories.
  🏆 Junior pedigree: 2019 Wimbledon Boys’ Champion, showing sharp instincts on grass.
  💡 Turnaround: Opened the grass season with five straight losses before catching fire in June.
  🚧 Slam hurdle: 0–3 in Grand Slam main draws so far, but enters with top momentum and match fitness.


• Giulio Zeppieri
  🎯 Wimbledon debut: Qualified for his first Wimbledon main draw after wins over Nagal, Jubb, and Garin.
  🧱 Clay leanings: Historically stronger on slow courts; limited grass exposure until this month.
  🎾 Slam starter: 3–2 career record in Slam first rounds, with losses to top-tier players (Alcaraz, Hurkacz).
  🩼 Fitness flag: Injuries and mid-match retirements have limited his rhythm throughout 2025.

🔍 Match Breakdown

This is a contrast in surface aptitude. Mochizuki’s compact strokes, low center of gravity, and efficient movement are tailor-made for grass. He’s come through qualifying without dropping a set and enters brimming with confidence.

Zeppieri, while improving, is still learning how to flatten his shots and react to fast, skidding points on grass. His five-set win over Garin in qualies showed grit, but his serve and forehand patterns are not natural fits for the low bounce at Wimbledon.

Mochizuki’s foot speed and ability to redirect pace will likely expose Zeppieri’s defensive court positioning. If rallies extend beyond five shots, Mochizuki's variety and angles could be decisive.

🔮 Prediction

Prediction: Mochizuki in 4 sets – Zeppieri might take a tight set early, but the Japanese player’s grass comfort, recent form, and durability make him the favorite to earn his first Grand Slam main-draw win.