Madrid Scores – 38 / 60 (63%)
WTA Madrid Final Prediction for Saturday
Day 8 – 1/1
Halep d. Mladenovic in 3 sets – Preview
WTA Madrid Final Poll for Saturday
WTA Madrid SF Predictions for Friday
Day 7 – 1/2
Halep d. Sevastova in 2 sets – Although tied at 3-3 in their head-to-head, Halep has won their last two convincingly and in straight sets. Halep won a few weeks ago in Stuttgart, 6-3 6-1. Sevastova is playing great tennis this week and has yet to drop a set. Halep had two tough matches in the middle of the week but I think both were positive for her and contributed to her playing a fine match against Vandeweghe. Halep the clear favourite, I hope she doesn’t overthink it!
Kuznetsova d. Mladenovic in 3 sets – Really looking forward to this match-up, a big respect between both players. Kuznetsova was fabulous against Bouchard, while i’ve been most impressed with Mladenovic winning through the rounds and not necessarily playing at her best level. The pair have only played once before with Mladenovic winning at the US Open back in 2015. Both will know each other’s games well and have their fair share of on/off days – it will simply come down to who plays the better match on the day! Going for Kuznetsova but mostly a coin toss.
WTA Madrid SF Polls for Friday
WTA Madrid QF Predictions for Thursday
Day 6 – 3/4
Kuznetsova d. Bouchard in 3 sets – Preview
Mladenovic d. Cirstea in 3 sets – Preview
Halep d. Vandeweghe in 3 sets – This is a danger alert match-up for Halep and reminds me a little of the match-up vs. Siegemund. If Vandeweghe gets her serve going then Halep will need to stay present – going in her favour is that she has had two tough matches where she has had to battle hard and will have gained confidence for getting the win.
Bertens d. Sevastova in 2 sets – A feeling that this will be decided in two despite struggling to pick a winner. Sevastova is the smarter of the two but been impressed with the way that Bertens has been hitting the ball this week
WTA Madrid QF Polls for Thursday
WTA Madrid R3 Predictions for Wednesday
Day 5 – 6/7
Bouchard d. Kerber in 3 sets – Gone back and forth on this one. I’m not entirely convinced that Bouchard will back up her performance over Sharapova but going in her favour is that she’s had at least a day to prepare and she has a good record against Kerber, winning their two previous encounters on clay. Kerber’s had a solid week but if Bouchard can bring just a steady level then I think it might be enough, particularly on clay, to topple Kerber who is still looking vulnerable and not showcasing belief in her game.
Kuznetsova d. Wang Qiang in 2 sets – Wang Qiang got a set in their only previous encounter at the Olympics last year and is one of the most improved players on the tour in 2017. I think Kuznetsova will be calm having saved a match point in her second round win over Riske.
Mladenovic d. Dodin in 3 sets – This could be intriguing, I think Dodin was the player that Mladenovic mentioned in all the Fed Cup drama? Dodin played a great match against Cibulkova. No strong feelings but reckon it could be a close match.
Cirstea d. Doi in 2 sets – Cirstea leads the head-to-head, 2-0 and dropped just seven games in the process. I like Cirstea here as she did well in Madrid last year and she loves the clay.
Suárez Navarro d. Vandeweghe in 3 sets – Like Kerber-Bouchard, going back and forth on this one. Gone for CSN in the end as she’s playing some good ball this week. The faster surface will help Vandeweghe’s serve which was working very well against Siegemund. However, she has shown some vulnerability in her first two matches and I think CSN is playing well enough to exploit that. CSN leads the H2H, 2-1, but they’ve never played on clay.
Halep d. Stosur in 2 sets – Halep saved a match point against Stosur in Miami earlier this year and will have no doubt built some confidence from coming back to beat Vinci in a third set tiebreak on Tuesday. Halep dropped just two games to Stosur in Madrid last year. Good to see Stosur with back-to-back wins on the clay but this will be a significant step-up in quality and I think Halep will improve from her match against Vinci.
Sevastova d. Arruabarrena in 2 sets – Sevastova is quietly having a good year and looked very comfortable against Pliskova. Props to Arruabarrena for two excellent wins to make it this far. I think Sevastova does everything a little bit better and will be a bit more consistent.
Bertens d. Begu in 3 sets – Impressed with how Bertens played yesterday and Begu loves Madrid. Both love the clay. I’d fancy three sets.
*Ooops, I missed two matches!*
WTA Madrid R3 Poll for Wednesday
WTA Madrid R2 Predictions for Tuesday
Day 4 – 7/9
Wang Qiang d. Zheng Saisai in 3 sets – Zheng Saisai is on an eight match winning streak but I did notice she had some heavy strapping on her shoulder and leg during her superb win over Svitolina. In their only previous match, Wang Qiang won earlier this year, 6-1 6-1 (!) in KL. I’d expect a much closer match since Zheng Saisai has really come into her own after a successful spell on the ITF tour. However, Wang Qiang is doing a great job so far at translating her good form from hard courts onto the clay and I think she’ll be too consistent for Zheng Saisai.
Cibulkova d. Dodin in 2 sets – I was surprised how close Cibulkova-Jankovic was but in the end, it was probably just what Cibulkova needed after a spell on the sidelines for a wrist injury. Dodin is dangerous, particularly having won three matches already this week. A day off for Cibulkova will likely work in her favour and I think she’ll be able to neutralise Dodin’s power.
Cirstea d. Bellis in 3 sets – A very interesting match-up, a toss-up for me. Cirstea’s at her best on clay, while Bellis has already scored some superb wins this year including two recently on clay vs. Bacsinszky and Gavrilova.
Doi d. Vekic in 3 sets – Not a clue, both can be very streaky and there’s no match data to base any judgement on. Doi played some good stuff against Keys and I remember early last year that when she got through first round matches, she often managed to carry that momentum further. That’s all i’ve got to separate them!
Siegemund d. Vandweghe in 2 sets – Bring it on! This could be a ball on the drama side. Siegemund’s been returning aggressively and could have all kinds of fun with disrupting Vandeweghe’s rhythm. It will depend on whether CoCo can get her serve going.
Stosur d. Duque-Mariño in 2 sets – A first time match-up, MDM has potential on clay but I feel like it *should* be a good match-up for Stosur.
Halep d. Vinci in 2 sets – In their three previous encounters on clay, Halep has dropped just 14 games combined. The faster clay surface will aid Vinci but i’d still go for Halep in reasonably comfortable fashion.
Bertens d. Bacsinszky in 3 sets – Their last match in Miami was an absolute epic, lasting three hours and 22 minutes! Really not a clue how this one goes, Bertens won their last two on clay but Bacsinszky won the marathon in Miami. Going head over heart with this one.
Begu d. Larsson in 3 sets – Larsson has already beaten Begu twice this year. Despite clay being Larsson’s surface too, Begu has an excellent record in Madrid and might just spring some magic again.
WTA Madrid R2 Predictions for Monday
Day 3 – 3/7
Pliskova d. Sevastova in 3 sets – Sevastova has had some decent results of late, is more comfortable on the clay and has pushed Pliskova hard in their two previous encounters. Going for a Pliskova escape.
Kerber d. Siniakova in 3 sets – By all accounts, Siniakova was sensational in the first round. Kerber played a good, solid match against Babos but will likely face a sterner challenge here. Kerber has won their two previous matches in straight sets but they’ve never played on clay.
Sharapova d. Bouchard in 2 sets – Preview
Kuznetsova d. Riske in 2 sets – Riske beat Kuznetsova for the first time in Tianjin at the end of last year after Kuznetsova had won four on the trot. Most factors point to a Sveta victory but you just never knowwith Kuznetsova. Riske is an excellent competitor.
Strycova d. Arruabarrena in 3 sets – Both players came from a set down to win lengthy first round matches. Strycova’s match against Safarova was physically demanding but I think she would have the mental edge if this goes tight.
Wozniacki d. Suárez Navarro in 3 sets – Wozniacki had a brutal first round match against Niculescu… if anyone can recover from that then it’s Woz! CSN also teetered on the edge, coming within two points of losing to Peng Shuai. Wozniacki has won their last four matches but their most recent encounter in Tokyo went the distance and CSN is obviously more suited to the clay.
Mladenovic d. Davis in 2 sets – The pair played recently in IW where Davis tried to be aggressive but just kept missing. While the Frenchwoman has had her fair share of off days, I think it’s a good match-up for Mladenovic and that she will advance.
WTA Madrid R2 Polls
WTA Madrid R1 Predictions for Sunday
Day 2 – 11/20
Kerber d. Babos in 3 sets – Kerber has won all four previous matches but heads into this tournament on a significant losing streak in Madrid. Babos’s recent form has been shaky but on a quick surface, an upset would not surprise me.
Sharapova d. Lucic-Baroni in 3 sets – Really not sure what to make of this one, i’m on the fence! Sharapova-Bouchard would be amazing but I think MLB will be up for this.
Halep d. Kr. Pliskova in 2 sets – A tricky turnaround for Kr. Pliskova, it frustrates me the lack of time between Prague/Rabat and Madrid. Halep’s looked in decent form since Miami.
Muguruza d. Bacsinszky in 2 sets – Muguruza began her match against Kontaveit in Stuttgart in excellent form but couldn’t sustain it. The Spaniard has been very unconvincing but she has always dominated this match-up against Bacsinszky. On the faster surface and with the Swiss player still finding her rhythm following a stop-start season so far, i’d go for Muguruza.
Wozniacki d. Niculescu in 2 sets – Wozniacki has never dropped a set to Niculescu in seven encounters. This will be their first encounter on clay though…
Peng Shuai d. Suarez Navarro in 3 sets – Very interesting match, Peng has taken a bit of a break after retiring in the final of Zhengzhou. Suarez Navarro is obviously the more comfortable on this surface but i’d fancy Peng to be there or thereabouts.
Cibulkova d. Jankovic in 2 sets – It sounds like the wrist is fine for Cibulkova. Perhaps a bit of rust but Jankovic has been really labouring in recent weeks.
Kuznetsova d. Shvedova in 3 sets – Shvedova has won just two matches this year so I fully expect this to go the distance 😂
Stosur d. Sorribes Tormo in 2 sets – This is a repeat first round match from last year in Madrid where Stosur won, 6-1 6-3. Stosur’s start to the clay court season has been uninspiring and SST has picked up some solid wins including a semi-final showing in Bogota. Still, i’d say Stosur has more weapons on this fast clay.
Mladenovic d. Konjuh in 3 sets – A toss up, Konjuh leads the head-to-head, 2-0. Form and conditions likely suit Mladenovic.
Vekic d. Putintseva in 2 sets – Hmmm this could be a feisty one, actually quite like Vekic’s chances with Poots throwing in a couple of alarming losses in recent performances.
Larsson d. Schiavone in 2 sets – So much respect for Schiavone but this will be very challenging, particularly as I think she’s dealing with a back injury? Schiavone has won their two previous matches on clay in straights so…
Siniakova d. Parmentier in 3 sets – Likely to be a hard fought match, could see it going either way.
Davis d. Puig in 2 sets – Davis leads the head-to-head, 2-0. Not convinced Puig will be able to keep a stable enough level to trouble Davis in the long run.
Svitolina d Zheng Saisai in 3 sets – Zheng Saisai is on a superb run of form having won 19 of her last 22 matches on the ITF tour including a title on clay in Anning. Zheng Saisai proved in their Dubai clash earlier this year that she has some good ideas and can trouble Svitolina, but it’s maintaining that level that will be the issue as Svitolina is one of the best at always staying present.
Pavlyuchenkova d. Cirstea in 2 sets – Tough turnaround but Pavs should be high on confidence with two consecutive titles in Monterrey and Rabat.
Petkovic d. Dodin in 3 sets – Delighted to see Petkovic qualify with back-to-back wins for the first time since St. Petersburg. Not really sure what to say about this one, both have been streaky of late! Expect some shifts in momentum…
Gavrilova d. Bellis in 3 sets – Interesting match, might try to catch some of this one! I think Gavrilova’s variety might just be enough against Bellis’s power game.
Garcia d. Wang Qiang in 3 sets – Garcia’s first match in over a month, changed my mind on this one several times!
Goerges d. Duque-Marino in 2 sets – MDM won their last match but back in 2013 on grass. Going for Goerges…
Kontaveit d. Vandeweghe in 2 sets – Big hitting clash, liking the lucky loser.
WTA Madrid R1 Predictions for Saturday
Day 1 – 6/10
Ka. Pliskova d. Tsurenko in 2 sets – The pair are tied at 2-2 in their head-to-head and Tsurenko won their most recent match in New Haven in 2015. Pliskova has become very consistent and clutch of late, aside from the first round loss to Camila Giorgi in Prague last week! Tsurenko has lost her last six matches on tour.
Keys d. Doi in 2 sets – Doi has lost her last five matches on tour, while Keys has lost her last two. The American has yet to settle in 2017 after the return from wrist surgery. Clay was actually a happy hunting ground for Keys in 2016 in what was a realisation that she could play well on this surface. Keys has won their last four matches in straight sets.
Cornet d. Bouchard in 3 sets – I was actually tempted to go for Bouchard here despite her shocking recent form. Cornet hasn’t been much better but a back injury has thwarted her this season and seemed to be affecting her in Rabat. Whether Bouchard can capitalise on this, i’m really unconvinced by. Cornet won their last match in Hobart, 6-1 6-2 in 2016.
Arruabarrena d. McHale in 3 sets – Their last match was an absolute epic, which Arruabarrena won, 7-6(11) in the third set in Beijing qualifying. I’d fancy another very close match. Arruabarrena’s last outing on the tour was a final showing in Bogota, while McHale has lost five of her last six matches.
Siegemund d. Konta in 2 sets – Going for the upset here, the surface is perfect for Siegemund. In their only previous meeting, Siegemund beat Konta, 6-0 6-2 on clay in Pelham in 2015.
Kasatkina d. Vinci in 2 sets – Faster surface is unlikely to suit Kasatkina but I think, with the win over Vinci in Montreal last year, she’ll have the confidence to get across the finish line again. Vinci’s struggling for form and has won just one of her last seven matches.
Riske d. Golubic in 3 sets – Golubic won their only previous match on clay at the French Open last year. I’m sensing Golubic’s confidence is waning right now after Fed Cup and Riske has shown a little more promise on this surface already this year.
Makarova d. Bertens in 3 sets – A toss-up, both have shown more encouraging form in recent weeks. Bertens played that stunning match against Kuznetsova in Stuttgart, just coming up short. Makarova had one win in both Stuttgart and Rabat but came up against tough opposition.
Begu d. Vesnina in 3 sets – The pair have never played a completed match. Begu’s form has been ropey through Istanbul and Rabat, but I think she stands a chance in this match against Vesnina as she is more suited to clay. Begu has reached back-to-back quarter-finals in Madrid in the last two years.
Sevastova d. Zhang Shuai in 2 sets – Zhang Shuai isn’t having a great year, winning back-to-back matches just once this year. Sevastova has been inconsistent between tournaments but has had some highlights with two quarter-finals and one semi-final so far this year. Zhang Shuai should get more pop on her strokes with the surface but I think Sevastova will absorb pace and be the smarter of the pair in this match-up.
WTA Madrid R1 Polls
WWW Madrid Poll
Full Draw Predictions (to be updated once qualifiers have been placed)
R1
Kerber
Siniakova
Cornet
Sharapova
Svitolina
Garcia
Riske
Kuznetsova
Cibulkova
Petkovic
Davis
Mladenovic
Pavlyuchenkova
Gavrilova
Vekic
Keys
Siegemund
Kontaveit
Peng
Wozniacki
Stosur
Goerges
Kasatkina
Halep
Muguruza
Makarova
Larsson
Begu
Safarova
Arruabarrena
Sevastova
Ka. Pliskova
R2
Kerber
Sharapova
Svitolina
Kuznetsova
Cibulkova
Mladenovic
Gavrilova
Keys
Siegemund
Wozniacki
Goerges
Halep
Makarova
Begu
Safarova
Ka. Pliskova
R3
Sharapova
Kuznetsova
Mladenovic
Keys
Siegemund
Halep
Begu
Ka. Pliskova
QF
Kuznetsova
Keys
Halep
Ka. Pliskova
SF
Kuznetsova
Halep
F
Halep
Export taken from Tennis Draw Challenge predictions
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