We conclude the men’s and women’s second rounds on Day 4 at Wimbledon. 32 women will battle for a spot in the third round, and only 16 will emerge. Who do you think will move on at the All-England Club? As always, our writers share their thoughts on the matches. We split up the day’s 16 matches between four articles, including this one. The other three feature Paula Badosa vs Irina Bara, Iga Swiatek vs Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove, and Simona Halep vs Kirsten Flipkens. Predicting Thursday’s matches are Jakub Bobro, Damian Kust, and Andy Watson.
Wimbledon Day 4 Women’s Predictions
Alize Cornet vs Claire Liu
Jakub:
Cornet, coming in off a Bad Homburg semifinal, looked good in her opener against Yulia Putintseva, beating the Kazakh in straight sets. Liu also did not drop a set, defeating Nuria Parrizas-Diaz. I see the experienced Frenchwoman as a favorite though Liu will be a tricky opponent.
Prediction: Cornet in 3
Damian:
Alize Cornet seems to be really picking up her game for the Slams this year. The Frenchwoman is also coming off a semifinal appearance at Bad Homburg and facing Claire Liu in the second round here, this is an opportunity an experienced veteran like her should take.
Prediction: Cornet in 2
Andy:
The Frenchwoman is very much concentrating on the Grand Slams at this stage of her career and it is paying dividends. She should have enough knowhow as well as quality to defeat Liu.
Prediction: Cornet in 2
Petra Kvitova vs Ana Bogdan
Jakub:
Kvitova surprisingly went a set down to Jasmine Paolini but turned the match around pretty well. Bogdan got herself a nice win, dropping just four games to Dayana Yastremska, but expecting the Romanian to pull off the upset here would be silly.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Damian:
The two-time Wimbledon champion wasn’t quite at the level she showcased at Eastbourne in the opening round, but when she’s on there’s really not much the opponents can do on grass. She’s armed and dangerous right now, potentially seeking another deep run in London.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Andy:
Despite very mediocre form for a long while now Kvitova finds herself up amongst the favorites for the title. Despite a wobble in her first match she came through playing much better and on all recent form she should be too good for Bogdan.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Coco Gauff vs Mihaela Buzarnescu
Jakub:
Gauff had a surprisingly tough first round against Elena-Gabriela Ruse, grinding out a 7-5 in the third win. Buzarnescu is not the most difficult opponent on grass, beating Nastasja Schunk in the first round. If Gauff steps up her play just a bit, Buzarnescu should not be beating her.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Damian:
Cori Gauff was taken to a very tough third set against Elena-Gabriela Ruse, but found a way to survive. The reward is a slightly easier draw with Mihaela Buzarnescu, who plays a tricky style but rarely performs at the level we saw from her before the injuries, back when she made her way to the Top 20.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Andy:
Gauff was another fancied player who struggled a bit in the opening round. However, wins like that are what the early stages of Grand Slams are all about. Gauff should go through the gears here.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Bianca Andreescu vs Elena Rybakina
Jakub:
A blockbuster second round here; Andreescu is coming in with great form after the Bad Homburg final and followed it up with a strong first-round win over Emina Bektas. Rybakina did well against a difficult opponent in Coco Vandeweghe, beating her in two close sets. The two have never played before and it should be a great clash to watch. I feel that, on current form, Andreescu is a slight favorite but there is not much in it.
Prediction: Andreescu in 3
Damian:
This is a big test for Bianca Andreescu. Is she a bona fide title contender or can Elena Rybakina eliminate her in Round 2? The Kazakh has some incredible power, but doesn’t have the ability to match Andreescu’s touch and variety. Edge to the Canadian, but it won’t come easy.
Prediction: Andreescu in 3
Andy:
I think the Canadian is building herself back up to competing at the very highest level. She is in Swiatek’s quarter so it’ll be tough to win but I can see her edging past the powerful Rybakina here in a titanic duel.
Prediction: Andreescu in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
