The second week at Wimbledon begins with four blockbuster women’s fourth-round matches. Established champions, Grand Slam winners, and rising stars all have quarterfinal places in their sights as our writers predict Sunday’s action.
Wimbledon Day 7 Women’s Predictions
Aryna Sabalenka vs Naomi Osaka
Ateet:
Aryna Sabalenka had to be dialled in to beat Jelena Ostapenko, and she was focused right from the start. She served 9 aces, and her serve was the difference in the match. However, Naomi Osaka can match her in serving and is playing the best grass-court tennis of her career. Sabalenka dominates the head-to-head, but Osaka looks as dangerous as ever right now and will be up for the match. This should be a tight encounter, and I am going for an upset.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
Myles:
While Osaka has often admitted that grass is far from her best surface, the former world #1 has looked resurgent on the surface in recent weeks. Sabalenka, meanwhile, hasn’t looked at her consistent best despite three straight set wins so far. If Sabalenka can recreate the exceptional level she reached at their previous encounter in Paris last month, then there’s little that Osaka can do. But with Osaka’s recent performances growing in confidence, expect this to be a captivating tussle in which Sabalenka’s winning mentality might make the difference, allowing her to pull clear in the final moments.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Jordan:
Sabalenka has already beaten Osaka three times this year. This is their first meeting on grass, but I do not expect a different outcome. The Japanese star is too inconsistent on the surface for me to be confident about her chances.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Karolina Muchova vs Barbora Krejcikova
Ateet:
This is going to be a very aesthetic match as both players play a beautiful brand of tennis and have so much variety in their game. Barbora Krejcikova defeated French Open champion Mirra Andreeva in a great match and then backed up brilliantly against Nikola Bartunkova. Karolina Muchova hasn’t dropped a set so far, but this is going to be a different level of challenge. I am backing Krejcikova here.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 3
Myles:
A tantalising match between two of Czechia’s finest. Both players are excellent on the grass, able to bring their variety and tempo changes to the surface. While Krejcikova shouldn’t be underestimated as the Wimbledon champion from 2024, Muchova has shown some exceptional form not only in recent weeks, but across the season so far. Her more consistent form might take the edge in a closely fought battle.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
Jordan:
Both women possess a lot of variety, which means this should be an entertaining battle. Krejcikova’s track record on grass is more impressive, and she got a great victory against Mirra Andreeva in the previous round. The Czech starts as the more likely winner.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Jessica Pegula vs Iva Jovic
Ateet:
Jessica Pegula wasn’t at her best in the first two rounds, but that wasn’t the case against Jessica Bouzas Maniero as she completely outplayed the Spaniard. She will face compatriot Iva Jovic next, who likes this surface and is a fierce competitor. However, Pegula’s experience makes her the favourite.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Jordan:
Jovic continues to rapidly improve. She has lost twice to Pegula this year on hard and clay, though. On grass, her chances are more hopeful, especially than on hard, but I still feel Pegula will get over the line because of her superior serve.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Coco Gauff vs Belinda Bencic
Zain:
Coco Gauff is enjoying her best Wimbledon run in a couple of seasons as she now faces Belinda Bencic for a place in the quarterfinals. Gauff’s combination of defence and reliability from the baseline has proven to be quite dangerous throughout the first week of the tournament. On this surface, Bencic has the attacking arsenal to overpower the American. But Gauff has been steadily improving throughout the tournament, and I would not be surprised if she eventually forces the Swiss into making a bunch of errors on her way to reaching the last eight.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Ateet:
Coco Gauff hasn’t looked at her best so far and has had to fight hard in her last two matches. She can not get away with this level against the quality of Belinda Bencic, who will like this matchup on grass. Bencic can target Gauff’s forehand and force errors. Gauff is a champion and can turn it up any time, but from what I have seen, Bencic is my pick in this one.
Prediction: Bencic in 3
Jordan:
Gauff is most vulnerable on grass. Bencic’s improved forehand since her return from maternity leave presents a particular problem for the French Open champion in cross-court rallies. I think the Olympic Gold Medalist will prevail.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
