The remaining Round of 16 contests are completed on Day 4 in Birmingham. 2021 French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova is among those set to be in action. As always, we at LWOT predict all the matches taking place on what should be a riveting day of tennis. But which players do you think will progress to the quarterfinals?
WTA Birmingham Day 4 Predictions
Yulia Putintseva vs Anhelina Kalinina
Head-to-head: Putintseva 3-1 Kalinina
Although Putintseva leads the overall head-to-head, Kalinina won their only previous meeting on grass. Putintseva certainly struggles more on grass than any other surface, with her athleticism and topspin forehand not being as effective. Despite this, the Kazakhstani has had a great season overall and is playing some of the best tennis of her career. Kalinina is also not very natural on grass, making her beatable. Putintseva’s craftiness and improved level this year could get her through this test.
Prediction: Putintseva in 3
Marie Bouzkova vs Diana Shnaider
Head-to-head: Bouzkova 1-0 Shnaider
Shnaider’s powerful game is dangerous on grass and poses a threat to most WTA players. But Bouzkova is a difficult matchup for her. The 2022 Wimbledon quarterfinalist is adept at using the pace of her opponent and will look to do that against Shnaider. Bouzkova was not at her best against Heather Watson in the last round, which will give Shnaider some hope. Overall though, Bouzkova’s consistency makes her the favourite to progress to the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 2
Elise Mertens vs Caroline Dolehide
Head-to-head: Mertens 1-0 Dolehide
Dolehide’s deciding set tiebreak triumph against last week’s Nottingham runner-up Karolina Pliskova was the most dramatic of the tournament so far. Mertens poses a very different kind of challenge than Pliskova. The Belgian is very solid in all departments and has no significant weaknesses to exploit. At her best, Mertens is a better overall player on grass than Dolehide. It is tough to see how the American keeps up with Mertens on a surface she is still not as comfortable on as clay or hard courts.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Barbora Krejcikova vs Harriet Dart
Head-to-head: First meeting
Krejcikova’s victory in the opening round against Daria Saville was her first since February, although she was injured for two months until mid-April. Last year’s runner-up in Birmingham faces a difficult match against Dart. The Briton plays her best tennis on grass and almost beat the eventual champion Katie Boulter in Nottingham last week. This is likely to be close, but Krejcikova’s experience might prove to be the difference in the end. Her level was also significantly improved in her last match after a difficult clay-court season, which will give her confidence.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 3
Main Photo Credit: Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports
