It should be an exciting fourth day at Wimbledon with 16 second-round matches on the slate at the All England Club. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Amanda Anisimova vs Sofia Kenin, Madison Keys vs Katie Swan, and Iga Swiatek vs Karolina Pliskova. But who will book their spot in the third round?
Wimbledon Day 4 Predictions
Elena Rybakina vs Caty McNally
Jim: Caty McNally played some solid tennis in the first round but this will surely be a challenge too far for the American, even if Elena Rybakina has not been at her best so far in recent weeks. The Kazakh has the power to take the racket out of an opponent’s hands and it is hard to see McNally being able to live with Rybakina in the baseline exchanges.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Myles: Former Wimbledon Champion Rybakina comes into the grass in poor form and her serve – a big key to her success – looks unreliable. McNally is a powerful hitter and was the only player to take a set off Swiatek in her run to the title last year. Even though Rybakina lost a worrying 6-1 set to Lois Boisson on day two, McNally’s power might give Rybakina the kind of rhythm she enjoys. If the match turns into a baseline tussle, Rybakina should be trusted to win.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Jordan: Rybakina can expect to be well-tested by McNally, who has a good game for grass. Both women are adept at keeping the points short. McNally possesses more variety, but Rybakina’s quality should still see her through.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3
Diana Shnaider vs Liudmila Samsonova
Jim: Liudmila Samsonova should not be underestimated at Wimbledon. The Russian’s style is high risk, high reward, but is has come off for her more than once at the All England Club. Shnaider is in better form than her compatriot, but Samsonova might just have enough to edge this one. Expect a close match at any rate.
Prediction: Samsonova in 3
Myles: While Samsonova reached the quarterfinals here last year, she’s only won two out of her five grass court matches this month. Shnaider, meanwhile, comes in off a run to the semifinal at Roland Garros, with some tight losses on the grass against tricky players. Her recent win against Sabalenka shows she can disarm Samsonava’s power. If Samsonava feels the pressure of defending her quarterfinal ranking points, expect Shnaider to capitalise.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Jordan: Samsonova’s victory in the opening round was very welcome for her after a torrid 2026 so far. She will need to raise her game against a better opponent. Despite a decent opening round triumph, I still do not trust her game enough to overcome the solid Shnaider.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Marie Bouzkova vs Tayla Grant
Myles: Following her title winning run at Nottingham and her first round match here, Bouzkava haswracked up 6 straight wins on grass. Grant’s first round victory, meanwhile, was her first maindraw win on the surface since juniors. Grant’s youthful energy might bring a spirited fight againstBouzkova’s experience, with the potential to turn into a close three-set tussle.
Predicition: Bouzkova in 3
Jordan: Bouzkova has been pretty good at winning matches where she is the favorite at Wimbledon. I expect her to do that again here. There will undoubtedly be plenty of lengthy rallies, but Bouzkova usually thrives in those types of matchups.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 2
Elise Mertens vs Maria Timofeeva
Jim: Elise Mertens is not quite the model of consistency that she once was, but she is still usually able to navigate the early rounds at a Major before being overpowered in the second week. In conditions that suit her style better than Maria Timofeeva’s – notwithstanding the Uzbek’s impressive qualifying campaign, it would be a surprise were the Belgian not to return to the third round at Wimbledon.
Prediction: Mertens in 3
Myles: Mertens is a strong grass court player, and has reached the fourth round here on several occasions. In her first round match she overcame last year’s tricksy quarter finalist, LauraSiegemund, in straight sets. An athletic Timofeeva has come through qualifying with strong momentum, beating an admittedly out of form Haddad-Maia in straight sets in round one. She will put up a strong fight and will look to grind out the rallies, but expect Mertens’ grass court experience and high tennis IQ to come through.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Jordan: Mertens is among the most solid players in the opening two rounds of Grand Slams. Timofeeva will almost certainly need a very decent performance to have a chance. The experienced Belgian starts as the more likely winner.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
