The second set of Round of 16 WTA matches will take place on Day 4 in Auckland, with several players looking to build on strong opening-round performances. As the tournament begins to narrow, small margins start to matter more, particularly on these quick hard courts where confidence and timing are rewarded. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule. But who will advance?
WTA Auckland Day 4 Predictions
Magda Linette vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto
Head-to-Head: Linette 2–0 Cocciaretto
Linette looked calm and controlled in her previous match, serving well and keeping points on her terms. Her flatter ball-striking suits these courts, and she rarely allowed her opponent to settle into rallies. Cocciaretto was forced to grind in her opening round, relying more on defense than initiative.
They’ve met twice before, and Linette has generally handled Cocciaretto’s variety by playing direct tennis. Given Linette’s resilient performance last round and her comfort on hard courts, she looks better placed to control this matchup.
Prediction: Linette in 2
Ella Seidel vs Sonay Kartal
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Seidel impressed with her willingness to take the ball on and commit to her shots in the previous round. She showed good composure for long stretches but can still be vulnerable when momentum shifts.
Kartal needed more time to settle in, going the distance against the formidable Janice Tjen, serving well and using her forehand to dictate play. Hard courts have been her most reliable surface, and her ability to absorb pressure before taking charge of rallies should help here.
Prediction: Kartal in 3
Petra Marcinko vs Alexandra Eala
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Marcinko came through her opener with a steady, no-frills performance, rarely overplaying and staying solid from the baseline. Eala, meanwhile, brought energy and aggression, stepping inside the court and taking the ball early.
In a first-time meeting, Eala’s ability to push the pace and take time away from her opponent on hard courts could prove decisive.
Prediction: Eala in 3
Elina Svitolina vs Katie Boulter
Head-to-Head: Svitolina 1–0 Boulter
Svitolina was sharp in her previous round, moving well and turning defense into offense with ease. Boulter also impressed, using her serve and forehand to play assertive tennis, particularly in shorter points.
Their lone meeting at the Australian Open a few years ago showed Svitolina’s ability to neutralize that power by extending rallies and forcing errors, and her early form suggests she can do so again.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images