Three quarter-final picks from Madrid today, and there's a decent mix of straightforward and genuinely tricky calls. We've got a couple of top seeds expected to advance and one match that could easily go either way. Who do you think survives to the semis?
WTA Madrid Open Predictions
Leylah Annie Fernandez vs Mirra Andreeva
Head-to-head: Fernandez 1-1 Andreeva
The H2H is level, but the more relevant piece of context is that Andreeva has looked seriously impressive on clay this year and at 17 she's already one of the most dangerous players in this part of the draw. Fernandez is scrappy and competitive and she'll make it uncomfortable, but the slow Madrid clay really suits Andreeva's ability to stay in long rallies without panicking, and she's the better mover on this surface right now.
I think Fernandez takes a set, which is why this goes three, but Andreeva closes it out.
Prediction: Andreeva in 3
Aryna Sabalenka vs Hailey Baptiste
Head-to-head: Sabalenka 1-0 Baptiste
Sabalenka is the world number one and Baptiste, ranked 35th, has had a solid season but has no real history of threatening top players on clay. The power Sabalenka generates off both wings is just a different level from almost anyone she'll face this week and there's nothing in Baptiste's game that suggests she can sustain a set against it.
Hard to see this being competitive at all. The only question is whether Baptiste can steal a few games to push it to three, and I feel like she just might.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Anastasia Potapova vs Elena Rybakina
Head-to-head: Potapova 1-1 Rybakina
The H2H being level makes this look closer than it probably is. Rybakina's serve is a massive weapon even on clay, and her flat ball-striking means she doesn't get bogged down in the grinding rallies that slow surfaces usually produce. That said, Potapova can be dangerous and she's had her moments this tournament, but Rybakina at her best on a big stage is a different proposition entirely.
Rybakina in straight sets. The conditions should suit her well enough to not let this drag on, all things considered.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Irina R. Hipolito/AFP7 via ZUMA Press Wire