Expect plenty of entertaining tennis on day four at Wimbledon with 16 matches on the schedule in SW19. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match, including Elena Rybakina vs Caty McNally, Madison Keys vs Katie Swan, and Amanda Anisimova vs Sofia Kenin. But who will reach the round of 32 at the All England Club?
Wimbledon Day 4 Predictions
Iga Swiatek vs Karolina Pliskova
Ilemona: Karolina Pliskova’s serve remains a major weapon on grass and gives her the ability to keep points short. Iga Swiatek has become increasingly comfortable on the surface over the past two seasons, and her returning and movement should help her create enough opportunities to take control.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Myles: Swiatek had a tense first round win against Taylor Townsend, sobbing into her towel at the end of match. Alongside some reported friction in her team, the pressure of defending her title seems to be mounting. Pliskova is difficult to predict and has a history of excellent results here. But this challenging face-off might help Swiatek re-discover her champion mentality and see her come through.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Jordan: Swiatek will almost certainly be tested against a player with so much grass-court pedigree. I do expect the defending champion’s return to make the difference, though. Pliskova is unlikely to keep up with her younger opponent unless she wins a lot of free points on serve.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Jasmine Paolini vs Viktorija Golubic
Ilemona: Viktorija Golubic’s slice and variety make her one of the trickier opponents on grass, where she has enjoyed some of the best results of her career. Jasmine Paolini has developed into a much more complete grass-court player, and her improved serve and ability to counterpunch should help her work through the tactical challenge.
Prediction: Paolini in 3
Myles: Paolini is yet to rediscover the form that made her runner-up here in 2024. Her tight first round match against Robin Montgomery, where she was dealt a first set bagel by the American, might have given her just the fight she needs to come through against an inconsistent Golubic.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Jordan: Golubic will likely try to be aggressive and take the game to Paolini. That would be the right approach, but I doubt she can sustain it against Paolini’s athleticism. The 2024 runner-up to triumph in straight-sets.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Alexandra Eala vs Maya Joint
Ilemona: Both players represent the future of the women’s game and have enjoyed excellent seasons, making this one of the most intriguing matchups of the round. Alexandra Eala’s left-handed patterns and growing confidence on the biggest stages could help her gain the upper hand in the longer baseline exchanges.
Prediction: Eala in 2
Myles: Fresh off her win against Serena Williams, who knows whether Joint’s strong showing has helped break her run of poor form or whether she’ll be left reeling from an enormous experience on the sport’s biggest stage. Eala comes in with some good grass results from Berlin and Birmingham, where she won the title. Both are excellent young talents with strong tactical skills, but Joint’s short-term momentum might not be enough to overcome Eala’s more consistent form.
Prediction: Eala in 3
Jordan: This is a repeat of last year’s final in Eastbourne, which Joint win after a dramatic battle. The Australian’s success over Serena Williams ended a lengthy losing run. That will give her confidence, but I feel there were frailties on display than Eala can exploit.
Prediction: Eala in 2
Maria Sakkari vs Kamilla Rakhimova
Ilemona: Kamilla Rakhimova has produced some encouraging tennis on grass, but Maria Sakkari’s athleticism and ability to defend before turning points around remain major strengths. If she serves well, Sakkari should be able to keep Rakhimova from settling into a rhythm.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Myles: Rakhimova put in a good showing at Queen’s, but other recent results have yet to demonstrate consistent form. Sakkari’s had a better year after a spell of bad form and, with a good straight sets win against the 24th seed Clara Tauson in the first round, should be able to out hit her Uzbeki opponent.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Jordan: Sakkari got a terrific victory in the previous round. This match looks more winnable on paper. Unfortunately, the Greek is prone to self sabotage at Grand Slams, and I feel that will happen again here.
Prediction: Rakhimova in 3
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
