Sloane Stephens plays her first match since her title triumph in Rouen on day 2 of the WTA Madrid Open. That contest is one of four predicted in this article. As always, we at LWOT predict all the WTA Madrid action, including Donna Vekic vs Laura Siegemund and Paula Badosa vs Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. But which players do you expect to prevail in Madrid?
WTA Madrid Day 2 Predictions
Zhang Shuai vs Shelby Rogers
Head-to-head: Zhang 2-1 Rogers
Neither of these experienced campaigners has played many matches this season. Rogers is still looking to get back to her best after a long injury last year. Zhang has only played two singles matches this season, with her attention usually on doubles. Both were very strong clay-court players at their best, but Rogers is the favourite to progress here. She has a few wins to her name in 2024, while Zhang is yet to get a victory. Expect the American to be a little sharper on the singles court to prevail.
Prediction: Rogers in 2
Magda Linette vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto
Head-to-head: Cocciaretto 1-0 Linette
Linette was the runner-up to Stephens in Rouen last week, in what was her first final on clay. By contrast, Cocciaretto endured a frustrating loss to Caroline Garcia in France, despite leading the final set 5-3. Nonetheless, the Italian has a good chance of responding to that setback. The tournament in Rouen was played on indoor clay, which suited Linette slightly more. Also, Cocciaretto played well against Garcia and would have beaten most other players in the draw. If the Italian brings her best tennis to the outdoor and bouncier courts in Madrid, she should have the edge on her favourite surface.
Prediction: Cocciaretto in 2
Sara Bejlek vs Anna Blinkova
Head-to-head: First meeting
18-year-old Bejlek is undoubtedly going to be a clay-court star in the future. She plays her best tennis by far on the surface and is close to breaking into the Top 100. Blinkova was the victim of an upset in the opening round in Rouen last week. She will be wary of the same happening against the uber-talented Czech teenager. However, Blinkova is likely to come through. Bejlek is an exceptional athlete, but Blinkova’s power will be a level above what she is used to, which should make a difference.
Prediction: Blinkova in 2
Sloane Stephens vs Martina Trevisan
Head-to-head: First meeting
Stephens showed why clay is her best surface during her impressive run to the title in Rouen. Trevisan also made headlines at the same tournament by beating Naomi Osaka in straight sets. There will be many long rallies between two excellent athletes, but Stephens is a comfortable favourite to progress. She is very adept at finding angles on the court when she has time on her shots, which Trevisan will give her in most rallies. Stephens’ superior overall game and her recent form are likely to decide this match.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
