The second round at the All England Club wraps up on Day 4 as 16 women look to take the next step to glory. Former world No. 1 Iga Swiatek squares off against Caty McNally in one of the best matches of the day. Elsewhere on the grounds, we preview Emma Navarro vs Veronika Kudermetova, Elena Rybakina vs Maria Sakkari, and Mirra Andreeva vs Lucia Bronzetti. But who will advance to Round 3?
Wimbledon Women’s Day 4 Predictions
Barbora Krejcikova vs Caroline Dolehide
Manan
Krejcikova knows a thing or two about winning Wimbledon. Defending champion of the event, she has been moving remarkably well on the slick surface, creating angles that trouble her opponents. She will be a handful to dominate her second-round opponent, Dolehide, who has not yet cracked the grass code.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Jordan
Dolehide usually plays her best tennis on hard courts. Defending champion Krejcikova moves better on grass than her opponent and has a more complete game on the surface. I doubt that Dolehide is the one to end her title defense.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Shane
The defending champ knows how to win on the grass. Although I do not expect her to make another run at the title, her game is more suited to these courts than Dolehide.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Clara Tauson vs Anna Kalinskaya
Manan
In their only battle that took place last year, Kalinskaya beat Tauson rather comfortably on clay. However, since the,n Kalinskaya has had her own problems with injuries and hasn’t quite been able to get back to the top 15 where she was strong a couple of years ago. Tauson, on the other hand, has shown remarkable improvement. Her low base allows her to take points on the grass with relative ease.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
Jordan
This is a fascinating matchup between two powerful hitters. Tauson relies slightly more on big hitting than Kalinskaya, who is the better mover. However, I think the matchup on grass leans in Tauson’s favor, since it gives her a better opportunity to consistently get Kalinskaya off-balance.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
Shane
I am a big fan of both Tauson and Kalinskaya’s games. They strike the ball very well from the back of the court and have the firepower to go deep in this event. Expect a back-and-forth encounter, but I’ll give the slight edge to the more consistent Dane.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
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Liudmila Samsonova vs Yuliia Starodubtseva
Manan
Samsonova was a good player on grass a few years ago. However, she hasn’t been able to live up to those standards over time. Her opponent Starodubtseva puts a lot of spin on the ball suited to clay and may find it tough to win with that game plan.
Prediction: Samsonova in 3
Jordan
Samsonova is capable of a deep run at Wimbledon. She could be tested by Stardoubtseva, who also strikes the ball very clearly. Samsonova remains the more reliable pick on grass, though, especially after how well she played in the opening round against the Eastbourne Open champion Maya Joint.
Prediction: Samsonova in 2
Shane
Samsonova is the proven grass-courter. Although she has not played great tennis of late, she is the decided favorite over Starodubtseva.
Prediction: Samsonova in 2
Iga Swiatek vs Caty McNally
Manan
Swiatek has been trying to find her best tennis in recent times, and it seems she is getting back there. With Wimbledon and grass being her weakest Slam and surface, there is a lot to play for. This second round battle should be a cake walk, and young McNally may not be able to come up with the goods.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Jordan
Swiatek should not underestimate McNally, who plays with no fear. But the Pole seems to be much more relaxed than earlier in the reason and playing with freedom. She also looks much more comfortable on grass compared to previous years.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Shane
No one saw Swiatek’s fall to No. 8 in the world coming. That said, she seems to be finding some form on the grass. The lower seed has helped free her up. A relaxed Swiatek is scary for the rest of the draw.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – Imagn Images
