Day 5 at the WTA 1000 in Madrid will feature all the Round 3 matchups from the top half of the draw, with World #1 Aryna Sabalenka leading a star-studded field that also includes several other top players. It will certainly be another fantastic day of tennis in the Spanish capital.
WTA Madrid Day 5 Predictions
Belinda Bencic vs Diana Shnaider
Head-to-head: Bencic 2-0 Shnaider
There is not much to separate the two players in terms of level and ranking, but when it comes to their direct matchups Bencic has dominated thus far, winning all four sets they have played against each other, including last month in Miami. On clay it could well be a different story, but it is fair to give Bencic a slight advantage going in here.
Prediction: Bencic in 3
Anhelina Kalinina vs Naomi Osaka
Head-to-head: first meeting
While clay is far from Osaka’s preferred surface, the altitude in Madrid should help her game a bit and maybe allow her to make a deep run here. Kalinina will certainly have her chances here, but all things considered Osaka should have the edge here as she closes in on a return to the top 10.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
Leylah Fernandez vs Iva Jovic
Head-to-head: first meeting
Leylah Fernandez was once one of the most promising young players on Tour, but she hasn’t really managed to live up to those expectations thus far and now finds herself as the underdog against an up-and-coming 18-year-old in Jovic. At this point in their respective careers, it is fair to say that Jovic should have the slight edge in this matchup.
Prediction: Jovic in 3
Mirra Andreeva vs Dalma Galfi
Head-to-head: first meeting
Galfi has been playing at a very good level all the way from qualifying, but Andreeva will be a significant step up in level. Despite her young age, she has established herself as one of the best players in the world, and it is extremely unlikely that Galfi can produce the kind of level required to score an upset here.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images