The top four WTA seeds are all in action on Day 7 of the Madrid Open. This includes world No.1 Iga Swiatek and Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, whose matches are predicted in this article. We at LWOT predict the rest of the day’s contests in a separate article, including Coco Gauff vs Madison Keys. Which players do you think will win?
WTA Madrid Day 7 Predictions
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Maria Sakkari
Head-to-head: Haddad Maia 3-0 Sakkari
Both players made statements with their victories in the last round. Haddad Maia defeated very good clay-court player Emma Navarro, while Sakkari demolished Sloane Stephens, who had been on a run of seven wins on clay in a row. The Brazilian’s heavy left-handed forehand has caused Sakkari problems in their previous meetings. But if the Greek manages to deal with that better, her recent powerful hitting makes her the favourite. Sakkari seems to be in a great place mentally right now and she is capable of navigating this stiff challenge.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Daria Kasatkina vs Yulia Putintseva
Head-to-head: Kasatkina 1-0 Putintseva
Expect many brutal rallies in this clash between two of the quickest players on the WTA Tour, especially on clay. Putintseva has played the cleaner tennis throughout the tournament so far, with Kasatkina relying on her trademark grit to come through two tight matches. But the Kazakhstani redirected her opponent’s pace effectively in her previous wins, as well as using her drop shot effectively. Kasatkina will vary the spin of her shots and she is one of the best in the game at chasing down drop shots. Those factors make this a much bigger challenge for Putintseva.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Iga Swiatek vs Sara Sorribes Tormo
Head-to-head: Swiatek 3-0 Sorribes Tormo
Sorribes Tormo has wowed her home fans with two great victories against Elina Svitolina and Victoria Azarenka. However, a win against Swiatek would be one of the biggest upsets on the WTA Tour in recent years. The Spaniard’s game is based on grit and determination, but Swiatek dominates against that style more than anyone else in women’s tennis. On her favourite surface, the world No. 1 is very unlikely to be troubled.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Aryna Sabalenka vs Danielle Collins
Head-to-head: Sabalenka 4-0 Collins
Collins extended her winning streak to an extraordinary 15 matches in the previous round. She has not been as dominant in her first tournament of the year on red clay, needing a third set in her two matches so far. Sabalenka has not been at her best so far either, but the bouncy conditions in Madrid suit her slightly more in this matchup. Collins thrives most playing on medium-bouncing courts that allow her to comfortably hit through the court, as happened in Miami and on the slightly lower-bouncing clay in Charleston. By contrast, defending champion Sabalenka has proven that she can thrive in the Madrid conditions. The world No. 2 is the favorite to end Collins’ incredible run.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
