Day 4 Matches Heat Up at the ATX Open in Austin

AUSTIN, Texas — Day 4 of the 2025 ATX Open features four exciting singles matches, including a clash between former finalist Varvara Gracheva and crowd favorite Caroline Dolehide. With both players aiming for a quarterfinal spot, the stakes are high in this WTA 250 event at the Texas capital.

Second seed Diana Shnaider will face off against veteran Sorana Cirstea, marking their first encounter on the professional tour. Shnaider, ranked 13th, advanced to the second round with a gritty comeback victory against Tatiana Prozorova, winning 0-6, 6-2, 7-5. Cirstea, ranked 120th, also secured her spot after overcoming Laura Siegemund in a three-set battle. She entered the tournament following a strong showing in Dubai, where she reached the quarterfinals. The experience of Cirstea may play a critical role, but Shnaider’s powerful play could give her the edge. Prediction: Shnaider in 3 sets.

In the second match of the day, fifth seed McCartney Kessler meets Spanish qualifier Cristina Bucsa. Kessler boasts an impressive record of 11-5 in 2025, while Bucsa has made her way into the main draw after a successful qualification round. Kessler’s confidence following her performance in Dubai bodes well for her chances in this faceoff. With both players aiming to establish their presence in Austin, the match promises intensity. Prediction: Kessler in 2 sets.

The third matchup features eighth seed Suzan Lamens against Greet Minnen in what is expected to be a competitive encounter. Lamens, recently returning to form with a comeback win against Kamilla Rakhimova, looks to leverage her endurance against Minnen, who also triumphed after losing the first set in her previous round. This contest will showcase contrasting styles, with Lamens aiming to extend rallies while Minnen seeks to close points quickly. Prediction: Lamens in 3 sets.

Finally, Caroline Dolehide faces Varvara Gracheva in a battle between power and consistency. Dolehide, currently ranked 80th in the world, enters the match with momentum, having defeated Anastasia Zakharova in the first round. Gracheva, a finalist in Austin last year, dominated her first opponent, Peyton Stearns, and holds a historical edge over Dolehide, winning their previous encounter in qualification rounds. Dolehide’s home crowd support could be pivotal, but Gracheva’s experience in high-stakes matches may determine the outcome. Prediction: Gracheva in 3 sets.