There should be no shortage of entertaining tennis on day four at Wimbledon, with several Grand Slam champions set to grace the lawns at the All England Club. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule including Ashleigh Barty vs Anna Blinkova, Daria Kasatkina vs Jelena Ostapenko and Andrea Petkovic vs Barbora Krejcikova. But who will reach the last 32?
Wimbledon Day 4 Predictions
Cori Gauff vs Elena Vesnina
Jim: Cori Gauff didn’t have things all her own way in the first round up against Francesca Jones, but ultimately never looked much like losing the match. Elena Vesnina, meanwhile, made short work of the clay-courter Martina Trevisan. But Gauff looks increasingly comfortable on the grass and Vesnina is not the force she once was.
Prediction Gauff in 2
Damian: This is a fascinating matchup. The former semifinalist has a wonderful set of tools to succeed on grass, it’s just a question of whether she can play something close to her pre-hiatus level. Gauff is in great form but I think she’s vulnerable to an early upset, especially against a player of such experience.
Prediction: Vesnina in 3
Fraser: Gauff should win comfortably here. The young American has experience at Wimbledon, having made her breakthrough on the women’s tour at the 2019 edition of this event. She returns an improved and more mature player with a game well suited to grass. There is little Vesnina can offer by way of resistance if Gauff is playing well and her first-round match suggests that she is in good form this week.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
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Andrea Petkovic vs Barbora Krejcikova
Jim: Barbora Krejcikova made light of the pressure attendant with being a Grand Slam champion, dismissing Clara Tauson in her first match since winning the French Open. That was her first win at Wimbledon, in singles at least, but with her power from the baseline and her skill in the forecourt, there is no reason why she shouldn’t continue to enjoy success at the All England Club.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Damian: It’s safe to say that Krejcikova’s game won’t translate that well to grass in singles, even if she already has a Wimbledon title in doubles. The Czech requires quite a bit of time to set up her strokes and she could be on upset alert here, even if Petkovic is certainly in the twilight of her career.
Prediction: Petkovic in 3
Fraser: I like Petkovic’s chances here. The German has been quiet for a while now and it is rare that she is ever down and out for very long. She is also more than capable on the grass and enjoys playing at Wimbledon. Krejcikova by contrast is far more comfortable on the clay, although her variety makes her a difficult opponent to face here. Still, Petkovic looks up for it after a strong first showing this week and I expect her to come through a tight match here.
Prediction: Petkovic in 3
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Marketa Vondrousova vs Emma Raducanu
Jim: Slowly but surely, Marketa Vondrousova seems to be re-establishing herself as a force on the WTA Tour. She certainly played well in the first round to rally from a set down to beat Eastbourne runner-up Anett Kontaveit. If she can maintain that level, she should have the beating of Emma Raducanu. The 18-year-old Briton clearly has a bright future, but this looks likely to be a bridge too far.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Damian: It was a very impressive win over Kontaveit for the Czech, who usually doesn’t win too many matches on grass courts. As such, the British talent might actually have a shot for round three here, although Vondrousova will not leak errors as much as Diatchenko did against her today. The more experienced player is the sensible pick, but watch out for the 18-year-old.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 3
Fraser: Vondrousova has all the tools needed to be an excellent player on the grass. However, she needs more practice on the surface in order to realise that potential. But she should get at least one more match under her belt in the next round given she is facing a very winnable match here against home favourite Raducanu. It’s always nice to see local players doing well, but the Czech should move on comfortably here.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
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Elina Svitolina vs Magda Linette
Jim: Elina Svitolina was given a stern examination in her opener up against Alison Van Uytvanck and she will likely be tested again when she takes on Magda Linette, albeit in a very different way. But Svitolina has won both of their previous meetings and not without reason. There is relatively little between them, but although Svitolina’s advantages are slight, they are numerous.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Damian: Svitolina survived a very hard challenge in the opening round, which should allow her to get her confidence up. Their two matches on clay were somewhat close, but Linette really needs to stay aggressive to have a chance in this rivalry, and I’m not convinced she can do it with enough efficiency.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Fraser: Linette and Svitolina both played great tennis to come through tough first-round matches at Wimbledon. Svitolina has the advantage of experience on her side, having been deep in several Grand Slams before. However, Linette is a tricky customer who plays well off both wings and can catch anyone out on her day. This may well go the distance, but I expect Svitolina to edge it when all is said and done.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
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