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.<\/p>\n
WTA Madrid Day 5 Predictions
\nBelinda Bencic vs Diana Shnaider<\/p>\n
Head-to-head: Bencic 2-0 Shnaider<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
Anhelina Kalinina vs Naomi Osaka<\/p>\n
Head-to-head: first meeting<\/p>\n
While clay is far from Osaka\u2019s 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<\/p>\n
Leylah Fernandez vs Iva Jovic<\/p>\n
Head-to-head: first meeting<\/p>\n
Leylah Fernandez was once one of the most promising young players on Tour, but she hasn\u2019t 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<\/p>\n
Mirra Andreeva vs Dalma Galfi<\/p>\n
Head-to-head: first meeting<\/p>\n