We conclude the men’s and women’s second rounds on Day 4 at Wimbledon. 32 women will battle for a spot in the third round, and only 16 will emerge. Who do you think will move on at the All-England Club? As always, our writers share their thoughts on the matches. We split up the day’s 16 matches between four articles, including this one. The other three feature Paula Badosa vs Irina Bara, Bianca Andreescu vs Elena Rybakina, and Simona Halep vs Kirsten Flipkens. Predicting Thursday’s matches are Jakub Bobro, Damian Kust, and Andy Watson.
Wimbledon Day 4 Women’s Predictions
Magdalena Frech vs Anna Karolina Schmiedlova
Jakub:
Frech pulled off an upset over Camila Giorgi to get just her second Slam win. Schmiedlova beat the returning Rebecca Peterson and made the second round at Wimbledon for the first time in her eighth appearance. The Slovak won their previous meeting at a clay ITF five years ago but Frech is the favorite for me on grass.
Prediction: Frech in 3
Damian:
Magdalena Frech pulled off a defensive masterclass to defeat Camila Giorgi. The Pole’s passive playing style isn’t that well-suited to this surface, but if she can repeat that sort of quality, she’s got every chance to prevail again.
Prediction: Frech in 3
Andy:
I think that the Pole will come out on top here after seeing quite a lot of improvement in her game in the last year or so. Schmiedlova came through a tough match in the opening round but I think she is more limited than her opponent here.
Prediction: Frech in 3
Greet Minnen vs Qinwen Zheng
Jakub:
Minnen took out former champion Garbine Muguruza and will now face Zheng who beat Sloane Stephens, both lesser-known player eliminating out-of-form big names. Zheng showed a bit more promise and I will pick her despite being less experienced on the surface.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Damian:
How comfortable is Qinwen Zheng on grass right now? She didn’t look comfortable at all in the warm-ups and Sloane Stephens didn’t play well against her in the opening round. The Chinese has so much potential but on a surface she’s not yet accustomed to, Greet Minnen should cause her plenty of trouble.
Prediction: Minnen in 3
Andy:
Minnen thrashed Muguruza in the first round so will be feeling good about her game. However, the weight of Zheng’s serve and forehand could be too much to handle on the grass for the Belgian.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
Karolina Pliskova vs Katie Boulter
Jakub:
Pliskova had to close out the Czech derby against Tereza Martincova over two days. Boulter was going to set up an Eastbourne rematch anyway, as she beat both of these Czechs last week. It was closer against Pliskova though, with the Brit coming back from a set down to win 6-4 in the third. I expect a close match again but, at this bigger stage, I trust Pliskova to win it.
Prediction: Pliskova in 3
Damian:
Katie Boulter upset Karolina Pliskova just a week ago at Eastbourne, but will this be easier or tougher to do on the biggest stage? For what it’s worth, that match came down to the wire. Last year’s runner-up remains the favorite, especially if she can serve well, but she’ll know by now that Boulter is not to be taken lightly.
Prediction: Pliskova in 3
Andy:
These two played recently and Boulter came out on top in Eastbourne. However, Pliskova did take the opening set 6-1 so it really could go either way. I will stick to the home advantage helping Boulter over the line again though here.
Prediction: Boulter in 3
Iga Swiatek vs Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove
Jakub:
With the win over Jana Fett, Iga Swiatek has now won 36 matches in a row, the longest win streak this century. Pattinama Kerkhove is not ending this streak.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Damian:
Iga Swiatek won’t be quite as dangerous on grass as she was on clay, but it’s not like she’s vulnerable to upsets like this one. Lesley Pattinama Kerhove would really have to play out of her skin to have any shot at winning this one. Seems like Swiatek is just out of her league right now.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Andy:
Swiatek will win this and will look to win in a more comfortable way than the second set against Fett in the first round.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
