The 2026 Lexus Nottingham Open is down to 12 players, with the remaining second-round matches scheduled for Thursday. Only three seeds remain at the WTA 250 event, as the trophy is for anyone’s taking. LWOT has the preview and predictions for the matchups below.
WTA Nottingham Day 4 Predictions
Viktorija Golubic vs Zeynep Sonmez
Head-to-head: First meeting
In a matchup of qualifiers, Sonmez probably can attest to the better result so far this week; she upset No. 2 seed Leylah Fernandez in the first round 6-4 7-6 (1). She’s notably near her career-high ranking of No. 59 in the world. Golubic, though, is a seasoned veteran on the grass courts, with her slice and one-handed backhand capable of damage. As a former Wimbledon quarterfinalist, she’ll surely want to make a deep run here. Sonmez has had the far better season on tour, but Golubic has long-term experience on these quick courts.
Prediction: Golubic in 3
Karolina Pliskova vs Caty McNally
Head-to-head: Pliskova 1-0
Pliskova’s serve isn’t what it used to be, but the Czech can still overpower and outcraft most opponents on a good day. McNally can likewise use her serve and variety to control the points from all ends of the court. As one of the top seeds, Pliskova defeated McNally in straight sets at the 2021 US Open. McNally has come a long way since then, but the Czech is formidable at this tournament — a 10-1 record, a 2016 winner’s trophy and a 2024 runner-up appearance. Pliskova’s expertise in Nottingham may shine through in the end.
Prediction: Pliskova in 3
Ann Li vs Taylah Preston
Head-to-head: First meeting
Li has never adapted too well to the grass courts, so her first-round win in Nottingham was surely a big confidence boost, which was a 4-6 7-6(3) 6-4 comeback win over Kimberly Birrell. Another Aussie now awaits the No. 4 seed, as Preston, a lucky loser, defeated Anna Blinkova in her opening match. Both players have attacking styles on court, with Preston coming off a quarterfinal appearance in Birmingham earlier in June. The Aussie has nothing to lose, and the higher number of grass-court matches played might inspire an upset.
Prediction: Preston in 3
Marie Bouzkova vs Hannah Klugman
Head-to-head: First meeting
It’s been quite the week for Klugman, who is ranked just outside of the Top 500 (for now) and 17 years old. The Brit defeated her higher-ranked compatriot Harriet Dart 6-2 6-4 in the first round, and will now have the complete backing of the crowd in this encounter. But Bouzkova is a seasoned veteran on tour, and as of late, she’s been quite consistent against players she’s supposed to beat, with just four losses to players outside the Top 100 since the start of 2025. This could be a big step up for Klugman, though if she’s feeling her A-game, this match is hers to take. However, I think Bouzkova’s consistency during the big points will be what sets the two apart.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 2
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
