It’s Day 4 at the WTA 250 in Nottingham, and there are plenty of British hopefuls left in the draw. How many of them have a chance of surviving a loaded round of 16? At LWOT, we’ve tried to predict whether or not the home favorites will make it to the quarterfinals.
WTA Nottingham Day 4 Predictions
Camila Giorgi vs Elizabeth Mandlik
Head-to-head: First meeting
Our only match with no British contingent takes place between Camila Giorgi and Elizabeth Mandlik. The American is an up-and-comer with plenty of firepower that has dealt with her lack of experience on grass surprisingly well having gritted through qualifying.
For all the highs and lows off Giorgi’s racket, however, her best win-rate is on this surface where her explosive groundstrokes are rewarded the most. We’ll allow for a little dip in focus but the Italian should be able to overpower her opponent.
Prediction: Giorgi in 3
Katie Boulter vs Daria Snigur
Head-to-head: Boulter 1-0 Snigur
Given her ranking and the duration of the grass-court swing, Katie Boulter has done well to notch eleven top 100 wins on home soil. Her game is well suited to the quick points of this natural surface and she’ll have been practicing for a while to get used to the speed of the courts.
Daria Snigur did well to defeat Beatriz Haddad Maia but we can maybe forgive the Brazilian for being a little gassed after her great French Open run. Obviously it’s not the Ukranian’s first big scalp but we think Boulter has the game style to push through her opponent’s unique style of play.
Prediction: Boulter in 2
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Harriet Dart vs Anhelina Kalinina
Head-to-head: Kalinina 1-0 Dart (juniors)
It’s been slim pickings at the higher level for Harriet Dart since she played a fantastic set of Billie Jean King Cup ties back in November. She is tenacious in front of home support, however, and she’ll give this match as much grit as she can.
There is room to exploit Anhelina Kalinina’s game here. Her style isn’t entirely overwhelming and is most suited to the point constructive dynamics of clay. There shouldn’t be much to separate the two players in terms of level so, backed by the home crowd, we’re backing a win for Dart.
Prediction: Dart in 3
Magda Linette vs Jodie Burrage
Head-to-head: First meeting
Can Jodie Burrage make it a clean sweep for the Brits? There is a difference in class between Burrage and her compatriots at this stage of her career. A lot of the building blocks are there but she can’t currently match the power of Dart or the serve of Boulter.
Grass is statistically the worst surface of Magda Linette’s career but the gulf between the two player’s levels may just be a little too stark. Burrage could light up for a set but Linette should be able to grind this one out.
Prediction: Linette in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
