The second round at the All England Club wraps up on Day 4 as 16 women look to take the next step to glory. No. 11 seed Elena Rybakina squares off against former world No. 3 Maria Sakkari in one of the best matches of the day. Elsewhere on the grounds, we preview Emma Navarro vs Veronika Kudermetova, Iga Swiatek vs Caty McNally, and Mirra Andreeva vs Lucia Bronzetti. But who will advance to Round 3?
Wimbledon Women’s Day 4 Predictions
Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Suzan Lamens
Manan
Alexandrova is a fine player on the grass. The flatness of her shots helps her do well. Lamens, on the other hand, hasn’t really set her feet right on the surface and has no real result behind her to suggest an upset here.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2
Jordan
Lamens is a dangerous opponent when her game catches fire. However, she usually thrives most against opponents who allow her time in the rallies. Alexandrova’s flat hitting is not the best matchup for the Dutchwoman.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2
Shane
Alexandrova hits the ball hard and flat. This lends itself to the grass, as long as she is avoiding unforced errors. I don’t see Lamens possessing the tools to break through against her.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 3
Hailey Baptiste vs Victoria Mboko
Manan
It is an unusual match-up of two naturally good players on the clay facing each other on grass. Both Baptiste and Mboko can boast of good runs on clay with great promise on the surface. However, they haven’t been able to adjust to the grass, and this could be a close match. Purely based on better serving, Baptiste might just edge her Canadian opponent.
Prediction: Baptiste in 3
Jordan
Victoria Mboko is a rising star. Despite not having much experience on grass, she has played well since the Wimbledon qualifying stage. Baptiste is an underrated player who will try to extend the rallies, but I am giving the teenager the edge.
Prediction: Mboko in 3
Shane
This should be a terrific match. Mboko has the tools to become a top ten player, and Baptiste provides the firepower to outhit anyone. Expect an entertaining battle, but I will side with the more experienced player.
Prediction: Baptiste in 3
Danielle Collins vs Veronika Erjavec
Manan
A couple of years ago, Collins was a prominent part of the top 10. However, plagued with a few injuries, she has dropped down the rankings, not producing promising results. However, she still would be a favourite to win this contest as her opponent Erjavec has struggled to get to the main draw.
Prediction: Collins in 2
Jordan
Erjavec got her maiden Grand Slam main draw win against Marta Kostyuk. Although she deserves credit, Kostyuk helped her with several uncharacteristic unforced errors. Although grass is not Collins’ favorite surface, the American should win if she plays at about 70% of her best level.
Prediction: Collins in 2
Shane
Although Collins has not played great tennis this year, it would be incredibly surprising to see her fall against Erjavec on the grass. She possesses too much power and experience.
Prediction: Collins in 2
Elena Rybakina vs Maria Sakkari
Manan
A few years ago, this would have been a mouthwatering quarterfinal or semifinal clash. However, owing to the bad form and injuries of both players, more so Sakkari, they are meeting in a second-round match. Rybakina is one of the rare good movers on all surfaces. Her height and big serve will give her an added advantage against Sakkari, who has not been able to move so efficiently on the grass in her career. Her Wimbledon record isn’t as impressive as the other Slams.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Jordan
Rybakina made a dominant start in the opening round. Sakkari should pose more of a challenge, but grass is the Greeks’ worst surface. Overcoming the 2022 champion will probably prove too challenging.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Shane
Rybakina has the talent to play into the final weekend, and with the draw opening up, she should sense her opportunity. Sakkari’s fall off has been unfortunate to watch, and beating Rybakina on the grass does not seem in the cards.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
