A few picks from the WTA Madrid second round to get into today, with some interesting matchups across the draw. Let's see who moves through.
WTA Madrid Open Predictions
Aryna Sabalenka vs Peyton Stearns
Head-to-head: Sabalenka 2-0 Stearns
Sabalenka is the defending champion here and the world number one, and Stearns hasn't come close in either of their previous meetings. On clay, Sabalenka's ability to end points early with her forehand makes her especially difficult to break down and Stearns doesn't have the weapons to consistently hurt her before she gets into a rhythm.
That said, I think this goes three. Stearns is a solid baseline player and Madrid's altitude does funny things to matches early in the tournament, so don't be surprised if this is tighter than the ranking gap suggests.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Laura Siegemund vs Jasmine Paolini
Head-to-head: Siegemund 1-2 Paolini
Siegemund is a tricky opponent on clay and has beaten Paolini before, so this isn't a walkover. But Paolini has been one of the best players on this surface over the last two years, and her movement and heavy topspin make her a nightmare to deal with in long rallies. Siegemund will have her moments, but Paolini, who has looked sharp all week, wins this comfortably.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Jessica Bouzas Maneiro vs Diana Shnaider
Head-to-head: Bouzas Maneiro 1-1 Shnaider
These two have split their meetings so far, and on home clay Bouzas Maneiro is always dangerous. Shnaider has the bigger game and the higher ranking, but the Spaniard in front of a Madrid crowd on a surface she loves is never easy to put away and should still find a way to get through here, all things considered. Feel like this one goes the distance.
Prediction: Linette in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
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